Clemson Football: 3 upperclassmen who must step up in 2022

1. Joseph Ngata, WR

Wide receiver Joseph Ngata is the last receiver standing in many ways. Fellow receivers Frank Ladson Jr. and Ajou Ajou have moved on from the program; Ladson Jr. transferred to Miami and Ajou transferred to South Florida. All signs point to Ngata as the flanker, Beaux Collins as the split end, and E.J. Williams as the slot receiver.

The most essential “ability for Ngata is availability. Ngata missed five games last season because of injury. Quarterback D.J. Uiagelelei needs an alpha receiver and Ngata has the tools to be that guy for the Clemson offense. He and Ladson were supposed to slide right in and take the place of Tee Higgins and Justyn Ross.

That has not happened because Ngata has dealt with injuries most of his time at Clemson. For the Tigers to take a step forward offensively, Ngata has to stay healthy. He is the Tigers’ most talented receiver and needs to be on the field.

If Ngata can play to his billing and be the next great Clemson receiver, that will open up the running game and force coverage his way. If defenses are keying in on Ngata, that will open things up for Williams and Collins. That’s why Ngata needs to play like an elite receiver.