Perseverance Pays Off: Adam Randall's Touchdown and Gritty Effort for Clemson

Clemson junior wide receiver Adam Randall entered the 2024 season eager to build on a sophomore campaign that saw him record 22 catches for 250 yards, nearly doubling his production from a 10-catch, 128-yard freshman season. 

Heading into the Aug. 31 season opener against No. 1 Georgia, the 6-foot-2, 225-pound Myrtle Beach native expressed his desire for a fast start. "I'm just looking to play confident and be confident in the system," said Randall. "Last year, I really didn't start out well, so I just want to start fast and continue it out through the season."

Unfortunately for Randall, who made his third consecutive start against the Bulldogs, the opener did not go as planned. The Tigers were defeated by Georgia 34-3, and he struggled to make an impact, finishing without a catch. To make matters worse, he committed two costly pre-snap penalties, and as a result, he didn’t start the following week against Appalachian State.

"He didn't play well in the first game. He knows that," stated Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney on Saturday. "He had a couple of really bad mistakes, and so all of a sudden, the second game, he didn't get to run out there first. And then the freshman just goes off, right? But he never pouted, he just kept playing. In fact, he had a good game against App. State."

The Tigers pummeled Appalachian State 66-20, and Randall was credited with four catches and 31 yards, including a long of 20 yards. Freshman receiver Bryant Wesco led the receivers with three catches for 130 yards and caught one of five touchdown passes thrown by quarterback Cade Klubnik. 

In Saturday's dominant 59-35 win over N.C State, Randall led the receivers with five catches for 69 yards and finally, his first career touchdown in his 28th game in a Tigers uniform. 

He caught a third-quarter 4-yard pass from Klubnik to break his scoring drought. 

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When Swinney was asked how he felt about Randall’s touchdown, he first reminded everyone that Randall played with an injury. "With a broken toe," he said.

In his opening statement on Saturday, Swinney revealed that Randall broke a toe last Monday but was determined to play against the Wolfpack before having surgery on Monday. 

"It's amazing. Just awesome," he said, referring to the touchdown. "He's had a few moments where it's been right there, but he had a heck of a game. Really proud of him. He's one of the best leaders we have on this team. He's one of the most committed guys we have on this team. He's one of the most talented."

Randall celebrated his score by raising his right hand to the crowd before pounding his chest repeatedly in jubilation, and his teammates, including 2022 classmates Antonio Williams and Klubnik, swarmed him in celebration.

"It was amazing," said Williams. "I've been waiting on him to get his first touchdown, and that's one of my best friends on the team. I was so excited to be on the field when that happened, and to see his reaction."

"Adam’s been one of my best friends," said Klubnik, Randall's roommate since they arrived on campus. "He's been working his butt off since he got here. I knew if it was him, one-on-one, he was going to win."

Klubnik even made sure to retrieve the ball for Randall as a keepsake. "I needed that ball for him. It was so special. Just one really cool moment."

Randall, who has dealt with injuries throughout his time in the Upstate, will be out for multiple games, according to Swinney. 

"He'll be on the shelf for a couple weeks, and then we'll get him back," he noted while pointing to the Oct. 19 game against Virginia as a possible return for the former Myrtle Beach High standout or the Nov. 2 matchup versus No. 15 Louisville. 

"It's great to see him building confidence and having back-to-back games like this. He'll be back for the majority of the season," Swinney added. "We'll need him."