ESPN names Clemson’s ‘newcomer to watch’ as Tigers begin spring practice

ESPN previewed spring practice for every ACC team on Friday.

That includes Clemson, who is expected to contend for the ACC title again this upcoming season. ESPN analysts picked a “newcomer to watch” for the Tigers ahead of spring b

all.

Their pick is true freshman receiver Noble Johnson. Clemson has a young receiving corps, and Johnson is a 4-star prospect who could make an early impact during his 1st year on campus.

Here’s the analysis from ESPN’s Andrea Adelson and David M. Hale:

We will stay on the offensive side of the ball and go with freshman receiver Noble Johnson, an early enrollee who was one of the top offensive recruits Clemson signed in its 2023 class. Not only does Clemson have to get more consistency from its receivers, it also needs a big-play target who can stretch the field. Johnson, at 6-foot-3, 205 pounds, has an opportunity to fit that category after averaging 17.2 yards per catch in high school.

Johnson was a 4-star prospect in the class of 2023. He ranked as the No. 381 overall player and the No. 57 receiver in the country, per 247Sports Composite rankings.

Clemson i

s hoping to have a more efficient passing game in 2023. Last season, the Tigers often struggled to move the ball down field. However, offensive coordinator Garrett Riley and quarterback Cade Klubnik should give Clemson’s offense a new look in 2023. It’s possible Johnson, an early-enrollee, will be a big part of that transformation alongside players like Adam Randall, Antonio Williams and Beau Collins.

Clemson’s spring camp is already underway. The Tigers will play their spring game on April 15.