Clemson receiver Martavis Bryant‘s two touchdown performance against NC State proved to be the difference maker in the Tigers’ 26-14 victory. However, his gesture after one of the touchdowns, unseen by the refs, was seen by head coach Dabo Swinney. Bryant made a throat slashing gesture that, had the referees seen it, would have resulted in a 15-yard penalty on the kickoff.
Instead, it will result in a limited and reduced snap count for the junior receiver, who has received praise for his attitude and improved work ethic on and off the field. While he won’t face a full game suspension, how much his snap count will be reduced remains to be seen. This opens the door for freshman receiver Mike Williams to establish himself in a deep receiving corps when the Tigers host the Wake Forest Demon Deacons.
The Lake Marion product out of Vance, South Carolina was one of the most highly recruited prospects in the state of South Carolina. His 6-foot-5 frame, like Bryant, gives the Tigers another target on the outside in the passing game. Williams’ strong fall camp allowed him to avoid a redshirt season. Williams has seen his snaps limited playing behind Sammy Watkins, Martavis Bryant, Adam Humphries and Germone Hopper. The season ending injury to Charone Peake opened the door for Williams, who is listed as the backup to Bryant on the outside.
Thus far, Williams has seen time in a blocking role but also has several long receptions for 43 yards when he has been targeted. Williams has drawn several comparisons to former receiver DeAndre Hopkins but with more speed than the former All-ACC receiver. Just as Hopper made his case against South Carolina State, Williams can do the same against Wake Forest.
