Clemson Football: Top 3 breakout candidates for 2020
By Nick Fiore
With Justyn Ross now out for the season, sophomore Joseph Ngata will have the opportunity to start on the outside. In limited time as a freshman, Ngata had 17 receptions for 240 yards and three touchdowns.
The former four-star recruit out of California was ranked as the ninth-best receiver in the 2019 class by 247Sports.
With Tee Higgins’ early departure to the NFL, Ross and Amari Rodgers looked like two of the starters at receiver while Ngata and sophomore Frank Ladson Jr. would split time at the third receiver spot. Without Ross, Ngata and Ladson should both have plenty of chances to show out.
There was a lot of excitement around Ngata last year, especially after the Tigers’ spring game where he had five receptions for 127 yards and looked really in sync with Trevor Lawrence. Nothing really impressive came after that performance, but another offseason in the system and more snaps should help Ngata flourish this season.
Ngata stands 6-foot-3 and weighs in at 205 pounds and was able to win a few jump-balls last year.
The 247Sports scouting report on Ngata says, “His length gives him an advantage in jump-ball situations. Has the size and speed to make him a problem for bigger corners in college. Tremendous after the catch, can make defenses pay for not making the initial tackle. Great catch radius, superb route runner and soft hands.”
Clemson’s offense will put up huge numbers like it always does and Ngata will have the opportunity to shine this year.