Clemson's Tight Ends Are Key to Creativity in 2024

Clemson’s offense will have plenty of talent in 2024, but one position is flying under the radar.

Tight end was the group that produced quietly last season, and it could be the key to success. When looking at Garrett Riley’s pieces as a whole, the freshmen receivers and running back Phil Mafah jump out in the spotlight. Jake Briningstool and company could be the key to unlocking a big step for the offense.

There was a glimpse the year before Riley took the reins with the pair of Davis Allen and Briningstool, but the new group can take it to the next level. Josh Sapp and Olsen Patt-Henry are two of the pieces that got crucial playing time in 2024 and are impressive pass catchers.

The step forward is physically for both, and being strong run blockers is the final piece of the puzzle. Once that comes to fruition, Riley can use the threat of Mafah to create an impressive play-action game.

Briningstool is a pro-to-be at this point and arguably the most reliable receiver from 2023. He finished with a career-high 50 catches for 498 yards and five touchdowns last season.

Quarterback Cade Klubnik has built a ton of chemistry with Briningstool, and he can do so with the rest of the core. Going into two tight end sets with Clemson’s talent creates unpredictability the Tigers didn’t have before.

Mix that with the talent of Antonio Williams, Tyler Brown, Bryant Wesco and more on the outside. That’s when you have a complete offense. The threat of play action with Mafah’s success is where Clemson can thrive.

Development is the piece that awaits to be seen as the players around Briningstool have to up the ante. The Tigers tight ends can make the 12 personnel maybe its strongest. Time will tell, but the cards are in play for this group to produce above expectations.