Clemson Football: 3 Tigers who could replace Justyn Ross as No. 1 receiver

Clemson football took a big hit for the 2020 season with the season-ending injury to Justyn Ross. They have several players to step up in his place.

As teams prepare for the 2020 season in a short amount of time due to COVID-19, they are relying on their star players to lead their peers. The Clemson Tigers were looking to their key returners following their 42-25 loss to LSU in the 2020 College Football Playoff National Championship.

After losing some key players to the NFL, the Tigers lose yet another key player from last season. Star wide receiver in junior Justyn Ross will miss the entire 2020 season as he will proceed with neck and spinal surgery for congenital fusion.

The Tigers lost their top wide receiver from last season in Tee Higgins, who led the team in receiving yards (1,167) and touchdowns (13). This would give Ross the position as the No. 1 receiver for junior Trevor Lawrence.

Last season as a sophomore, Ross accounted for 66 receptions (team-high) for 865 yards and eight touchdowns. In his true freshman season, Ross accounted for 46 receptions for 1,000 yards (team-high), an average of 21.7 yards per game (team-high) and nine touchdowns.

Ross’ injury is devastating to a Tigers team that will not return three of their top four wide outs from last season. The Tigers have talent returning to their team at the wide out position including some young players. It will not be easy for the Tigers to replicate that same passing offense that was ranked 23rd in the nation in passing yards per game (288.3).

There is potential in some players on the team left to take the title of the No. 1 receiver. Here are three receivers who could step up in Ross’ place.