Tyler Brown, 'When They Least Expect It, 6 Gonna Give Them That Right Hook'
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Tyler Brown was on track to be Clemson’s next big playmaker.
As a freshman in 2023, the Greenville, S.C., native emerged as the Tigers’ most reliable playmaker, leading the team in receptions (52) and receiving yards (531) while earning ESPN Freshman All-American honors. He flashed speed, toughness over the middle, and a knack for showing up when Clemson needed him most.
Then came 2024.
Brown’s sophomore campaign was derailed by nagging injuries, limiting him to just six of Clemson’s 14 games. For the wideout who had taken Death Valley by storm the year before, the setback was frustrating, but also transformative.
“Last year was definitely a ride for me,” Brown said. “Just having those injuries and being able to take in different points of view. I got to sit back, watch Antonio [Williams], and learn from how he overcame his injuries the year before. I just really have a different point of view for the game now, and I’m very grateful for every time I get to get on that field.”
That perspective came with growth. While his role on the field was reduced, Brown said his faith and leadership off it strengthened.
“That injury brought me closer to the Lord,” Brown explained. “It helped me see not just what was happening to me, but why it was happening, and how I could go about it. I tried to make other teammates better even when I wasn’t playing — being a leader to the young guys in our group and taking on different roles.”
At the same time, he got a front-row seat to an offense on the rise. Under second-year offensive coordinator Garrett Riley, Clemson jumped from averages of 29 points and 402 yards per game in 2023 to 35 points and 452 yards per game last season.
“Man, that jump last year, just seeing that from a back seat, I was amazed,” Brown said. “Such a big step from that 2023 year. With Coach Riley in year three, Cade [Klubnik] growing, and our receivers all getting better and smarter, I’m just ready to see it in action.”
Expectations are sky-high in Clemson this season. Klubnik enters as a Heisman Trophy candidate. Williams is projected as a 2026 NFL Draft pick. Sophomore receivers Bryant Wesco and T.J. Moore are being tabbed as future All-ACC or even All-American players.
Brown, meanwhile, isn’t showing up on any preseason awards lists.
“I’ve always been an underdog my whole life. I like it, honestly,” Brown said with a smile. “We got dogs at receiver, Wesco, T.J., Antonio. They’re gonna do their thing every time. Then, when they least expect it, 6 gonna give them that right hook. I like laying under the low light.”
Riley doesn’t expect Brown to stay in the shadows for long.
“I just can’t wait to see him play,” the coordinator said Tuesday. “The guy’s been practicing really, really well. In spring, he was healthy, fast, consistent. He’s followed it up in fall camp. He’s a heck of a player, and one I can’t wait to see on the field again -- healthy.”
