Frank Ladson flashes big-play potential for Trevor Lawrence, Clemson offense
Opportunities were tough to come by for Frank Ladson during his freshman year at Clemson.
Ladson was behind a talented group on the depth chart last season, which included Tee Higgins, Justyn Ross and Amari Rodgers. But with Higgins in the NFL and Ross out for the season with an injury, the Tigers needed to groom possible go-to guys for Trevor Lawrence.
Ladson took a step forward Saturday against an undermanned Citadel squad — the Tigers won 49-0. The sophomore hauled in three passes for 87 yards and two touchdowns, including a 54-yard grab as he got behind two Citadel defenders.
“My confidence is always there,” Ladson said. “It is just great to do it come game time and get it out there.”
Ladson’s performance might set the tone for the rest of the season, according to Clemson offensive coordinator Tony Elliott.
“He’s a guy that we know is very talented, just needs opportunities and through those opportunities to develop consistently, and I think that’s going to help his confidence,” Elliott said. “So, it was good for him to come out and make some plays.”
Clemson has a history of producing NFL receivers, and Ladson fits the mold. He is 6-foot-3, 205 pounds and has the speed to go with size.
Rodgers in the spring called Ladson — who said he can run a 4.46 to 4.49 in the 40-yard dash — as the fastest receiver on the field and could challenge running back Travis Etienne for the team’s quickest player.
Former Clemson co-offensive coordinator Jeff Scott compared Ladson to former Tigers receiver and current Kansas City Chief receiver Sammy Watkins when he arrived on campus last year. But Ladson’s freshman year didn’t come close to matching Watkins, who had 82 catches and 1,219 yards in his first year at Clemson.
Ladson had just nine catches for 121 yards and three scores last year. But with holes to fill at receiver, it could be Ladson’s time to shine.
Clemson coach Dabo Swinney on Saturday said Ladson has completely transformed his body and is “night and day” where he was as a freshman.
In the fall, Ladson was in COVID-19 protocol early in training camp and that slowed him down heading into the season. But Ladson has bounced back from that and has built trust with Lawrence.
Lawrence said Ladson was one of the players he threw with in the offseason following the coronavirus shutdown. He said they also stayed in constant communication during that time. It showed Saturday.
“He is just a great player and playmaker,” Lawrence said. “He can come in the game wherever. He is versatile. You can insert him at different places. When he is in there, he is flashy and he can run past people.
“I am really impressed with his knowledge of the game and the way he has handled everything.”
This story was originally published September 19, 2020 at 10:09 PM.
