In the first part of this multi-position series, I looked at the top quarterbacks in program history, and it would only be fitting to take a peak at the players who were on the receiving end of many of those passing yards and touchdowns thrown by the top signal callers to play in Death Valley.
Over the years, Clemson has produced a rich history of talented wide receivers who have not only made a significant impact on the college football program but have also found success at the professional level. The Tigers didn’t become WRU by accident.
In this article, I rank the top five wide receivers in Clemson history, considering their career and season statistics as a primary factor for evaluation. Let's dive into the impressive careers of these standout receivers.
No. 1 Sammy Watkins
Sammy Watkins, a dynamic playmaker, had an electrifying three-year career at Clemson from 2011 to 2013. Watkins displayed exceptional speed, agility, and after-the-catch ability. He amassed an impressive 240 receptions, 3,391 receiving yards, and 27 touchdowns during his time with the Tigers. Watkins' explosive performances, including a record-breaking performance in the 2014 Orange Bowl, solidified his place among the elite wide receivers in Clemson history and I’ve got him at the top spot.
All-Time Rankings:
No. 2 in Career Receptions 240
Holds the No. 1 single-season mark with 101 receptions in 2013 and the No. 5 single-season spot with 82 in 2011
Holds the single-game record with 16 receptions vs. Ohio State in 2013
No. 1 in Career Receiving Yards with 3,391
Holds the single-season yardage mark with 1,464 in 2013. Also ranks No. 4 on the list with his 1,219 yards in 2011
Holds the top two spots in single-game yards receiving with 227 vs. Ohio State in 2013 and 202 vs. Wake Forest in 2012 (202 yards is tied with Mike Williams vs. Pitt in 2016)
Tied with DeAndre Hopkins and Tee Higgins at No. 1 with 27 career receiving TDs
No. 3 in single-season TDs with 13 in both 2011 and 2013
No. 2 DeAndre Hopkins
DeAndre Hopkins, widely regarded as one of the best receivers in the NFL today, had a stellar career at Clemson from 2010 to 2012. Hopkins finished his collegiate career with 206 receptions, 3,020 receiving yards, and 27 touchdowns. His ability to make clutch catches and find the end zone was unmatched. Hopkins' exceptional hands and route-running skills were instrumental in leading Clemson to several victories. His consistency and impact on the field make him the clear choice for the second spot on this list.
All-Time Rankings:
No. 4 in Career Receptions with 206
Tied for the No. 5 single-season mark with 82 receptions in 2012
Holds the No. 4 single-game mark with 13 receptions against both Auburn and LSU in 2012
No. 2 in Career Receiving Yards with 3,020
Own the No. 2 single-season mark with 1,405 in 2012
No. 4 and No. 5 single-game marks with 197 vs. Boston College in 2012 and 191 vs. LSU in 2012.
Tied with Sammy Watkins and Tee Higgins at No. 1 with 27 career receiving TDs
No. 1 single-season receiving TD mark with 18 in 2012
Also had two games with 3 TDs receiving, which is tied for No. 1 with Mike Williams, Tee Higgins, and Diondre Overton
No. 3 Mike Williams
Mike Williams, who played for Clemson from 2013 to 2016, was a dominant force on the field. Standing at 6'4" and possessing exceptional physicality, Williams was a reliable red-zone target for the Tigers. Despite suffering a season-ending injury in 2015, he bounced back in 2016 with a remarkable campaign. Williams finished his collegiate career with 177 receptions, 2,727 receiving yards, and 21 touchdowns. His ability to win contested catches and provide a deep threat made him a key contributor to Clemson's success.
All-Time Rankings:
No. 7 in Career Receptions 177
Holds the No. 2 single-season mark with 98 receptions in 2016
Holds the No. 2 single-game record with 15 receptions vs. Pitt in 2016 and is tied for the No. 7 spot with 12 vs. NC State in 2016
No. 4 in Career Receiving Yards with 2,727
Holds the No. 3 and No. 7 single-season marks with 1,361 in 2016 and 1,030 in 2014
Tied for the No. 2 single-game mark with 202 yards vs. Pitt in 2016,
No. 4 in career TDs with 21
No. 6 in single-season TDs with 11 in 2016
Also had 3 TDs receiving against South Carolina in 2016, which is tied for No. 1 with DeAndre Hopkins, Tee Higgins, and Diondre Overton
No. 4 Tee Higgins
Tee Higgins showcased his talent at Clemson from 2017 to 2019. Standing at 6'4", Higgins was an excellent downfield threat and red-zone target. He formed a lethal connection with quarterback Trevor Lawrence.
During his collegiate career, Higgins recorded 135 receptions, 2,448 receiving yards, and 27 touchdowns. His impressive touchdown production and ability to create separation place him among the top receivers in Clemson history-- a glowing blemish is that Higgins doesn’t appear in the Top 10 of any receptions lists-- showcasing his TD productivity.
All-Time Rankings:
No. 8 in Career Receiving Yards with 2,448
Holds the No. 5 single-season mark with 1,167 in 2019
Tied for the No. 7 single-game mark with 182 with 182 vs. Virginia and holds the No. 9 spot with 178 vs. The Citadel in 2017
Tied with Sammy Watkins and DeAndre Hopkins at No. 1 with 27 career receiving TDs
No. 2 single-season receiving TD mark with 13 in 2019, also tied for No. 3 with 12 TDs in 2018
Also had two games with 3 TDs receiving, which is tied for No. 1 with DeAndre Hopkins, Mike Williams, and Diondre Overton
Dawson Powers-USA TODAY Sports
Perry Tuttle shows off his Sports Illustrated cover shot during Clemson’s 2016 National Title Celebration.
No. 5 Perry Tuttle
Perry Tuttle made his mark on Clemson football in the early 1980s. He played a vital role in the team's 1981 National Championship season, securing the game-winning touchdown catch against Nebraska. Tuttle's career totals of 150 receptions, 2,534 receiving yards, and 17 touchdowns demonstrate his consistency and impact. His contributions to Clemson's first national title and his overall career statistics earn him a well-deserved spot on this list.
All-Time Rankings:
No. 6 in Career Receiving Yards with 2,534 set between 1978-1981, well before the high-powered passing offenses of the 2000s.
Honorable Mention
Hunter Renfrow and Rod Gardner
Although not making the top five, Hunter Renfrow and Rod Gardner deserve honorable mentions for their contributions to the Clemson football program. Renfrow was a reliable target, especially in crucial moments, and played a key role in Clemson's National Championship victories in 2016 and 2018. During his career, Renfrow scored five touchdowns in College Football Playoff games, including the game-winner vs. Alabama in 2016 with just 0:01 left in the game.
As for Gardner, he had an outstanding career in the late 1990s, finishing with 159 receptions, 2,404 receiving yards, and 12 touchdowns.
Let us know your thoughts on our list and how you would rank these Tigers in the comments below!
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Gotta mention Jerry Butler as well. From an article I found on his induction into the Ring of Honor:
Quote:
Statistically, Butler's accomplishments are countless. He was a model of consistency, as shown by his 35-game streak of making at least one reception, a streak he set between 1976-78, a record that is still in tact today. He concluded his career with 139 receptions for 2223 yards and 11 touchdowns, a 16-yards per catch rate. All those figures are still in the top five in Clemson history. Butler still holds the Clemson single game reception yardage record with 163 against Georgia Tech in 1977. His 58 catches in 1978 stood as a record until Tony Horne's 70-reception season of 1997.
