Freshman receiver could be Michigan Football’s secret weapon
By Brady Back
Despite a talented receiving room, Michigan football freshman Darrius Clemons could be the secret weapon for the Wolverine’s offense this season.
Freshman wide receiver Darrius Clemons might be the next secret weapon in Jim Harbaugh’s bag of tricks. Despite a talented receiver room, Clemons has the potential to make a significant impact right away for the Wolverines.
Clemons heads into Ann Arbor with high expectations as the number one recruit from the state of Oregon. The four-star recruit primarily provides a deep-ball threat and will probably serve in a role similar to Cornelius Johnson last season. Clemons could become Michigan football’s go-to target in the deep passing game alongside Andrel Anthony.
In his senior season at Westview High School, Clemons hauled in 17 touchdowns and over 800 receiving yards. His best attribute is his size and ability to snag anything thrown his way. At 6’3, 215 pounds, Clemons is Michigan’s biggest receiver on the roster. Clemons has drawn comparisons to Los Angeles Rams receiver Allen Robinson given his size and body control.
Even his teammates took notice of Clemons’s build and talent. “That’s what a receiver should look like,” said Blake Corum after the two met for the first time per The Michigan Daily.
Clemons has also begun to develop chemistry with the presumed starting quarterback Cade McNamara. During Michigan’s spring game, McNamara found Clemons for a beautiful 40-yard touchdown.
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Breaking down Clemons path to the field
The biggest challenge for Clemons will be finding snaps amidst a deep wide receiver core. Clemons will fight for snaps behind Cornelius Johnson, AJ Henning, Andrel Anthony, Ronnie Bell, and Roman Wilson.
While Bell’s return certainly doesn’t help Clemons’s case for playing time, Mike Sainristil’s transition to defensive back will provide more opportunities for the freshman to contribute.
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Expect Clemons to see more time in non-conference games this season against Colorado State, Hawaii, and Uconn. During conference play, Clemons will see a decrease in snaps, but will still be a major threat for the Wolverines in long yardage, third down scenarios.