Clemson Football: Tigers need Cornell Powell now more than ever

CLEMSON, SOUTH CAROLINA - SEPTEMBER 21: Wide receiver Cornell Powell #17 of the Clemson Tigers runs in a touchdown reception during the second quarter of the Tigers' football game against the Charlotte 49ers at Memorial Stadium on September 21, 2019 in Clemson, South Carolina. (Photo by Mike Comer/Getty Images)

Clemson football needs this veteran wide receiver now more than ever

Cornell Powell‘s Clemson football career hasn’t quite gone as was planned when he first stepped on campus.

When Powell arrived to the Clemson football program, there were fans and analysts alike predicting that he would make an immediate impact and that his explosiveness and play-making ability would be prevalent from Day 1.

Unfortunately, due to several different factors, that just hasn’t been the case.

In his four-year career, Powell has caught just 40 passes for 329 yards (8.2 YPC) and amassed two touchdowns. Powell played in just five games as a freshman and eight games as a sophomore before choosing to redshirt his junior season- playing four games- and save a year of eligibility. Last year, as a redshirt junior, he had 15 catches for 122 yards and a touchdown.

While things may not have gone as planned, Clemson football needs Cornell Powell now more than ever

The Clemson football coaching staff has consistently praised Cornell Powell over the course of this offseason. He was the top-performing wide receiver in spring practice, according to the coaches, and he has only built upon that since fall camp began.

Now, with Clemson football kicking off its season, it’s clear that Powell is going to be needed now more than ever.

Clemson doesn’t have the depth that we’re used to seeing at the wide receiver position.

The Tigers have lost their two leading receivers from last year in Tee Higgins (NFL) and Justyn Ross (season-ending injury). The only true ‘veteran’ to return in the unit is Amari Rodgers.

While there are talented youngsters like sophomores Frank Ladson Jr. and Joseph Ngata, as well as promising incoming freshmen in Ajou Ajou and E.J. Williams, it’s clear that the Tigers are going to be looking to the veterans to step up as leaders and producers on the field early.

That means Cornell Powell has to get going, and he has to get going now.

He’s been working all offseason on developing chemistry with Trevor Lawrence and there’s reason to believe this is going to be the best year yet for the former 4-star recruit.

There’s no doubt that Powell has the talent, but it’s time to put it all together and show just what he is capable of becoming. It all begins tonight with the game against the Wake Forest Demon Deacons.