Antonio Williams is set for a big redshirt junior season after forming a dynamic connection with quarterback Cade Klubnik last year.
After sitting out most of 2023, Williams came back strong in 2024, pacing the Tigers in receptions (75), receiving yards (904) and touchdowns (11).
Pro Football Focus has taken notice, slotting him as the second-best slot receiver in college football and the fifth-best wideout on their preseason draft board.
“Williams has put up respectable receiving grades the past two seasons, but there’s still another level he can reach,” PFF’s Trevor Sikkema wrote. “Though not the biggest receiver at 5-foot-10, 190 pounds, he’s quick and shifty enough to consistently create space, especially on out-breaking routes. His separation score against single coverage ranks in the 88th percentile over the last two years, showing how tough he is to cover one-on-one. With Klubnik at quarterback, Williams could become an even bigger weapon in Clemson’s offense.”
USC’s Makai Lemon sits atop both the slot WR list and the overall WR rankings heading into the year.
Clemson’s opener won’t be short on wide receiver talent either — the Tigers will match up against LSU’s Nic Anderson, who transferred in from Oklahoma and enters the season as PFF’s No. 4 ‘X’ receiver and No. 10 wideout overall. Anderson missed almost all of last season with an injury but is expected to be a deep threat with his combination of size, speed and length.
If Williams can build on last year’s momentum, he’ll not only cement himself as Klubnik’s go-to target but could leave Clemson as one of the top receivers in the country.
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