Joseph Ngata is finally healthy as injuries slow other top Clemson football receivers

Todd Shanesy, Greenville News
·2 min read
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CLEMSON – Three of Clemson's top wide receivers missed Wednesday's final scrimmage of preseason practice because of injuries.

Two positives about that: None is serious. None is Joseph Ngata.

With Beaux Collins, E.J. Williams and Adam Randall sidelined, it was Ngata further establishing himself as the leader of this unit in the closed practice game at Memorial Stadium. Ngata, an NFL-type talent, has been hurt for much of the past two years with only 521 yards and one touchdown to show for it.

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Ngata fell on his head while making a catch on the first day of practice, coach Dabo Swinney said, and was held out to make sure he was OK. Since then, he's been exactly what the Tigers have needed.

"Joe has been great," Swinney said. "He hasn't missed anything. He hasn't missed a rep. He had a day when he came down and hit his head, but he's been awesome. He's been an excellent leader for us."

Collins has been out with a banged-up shoulder but is expected to return Monday after the players take a weekend break. Williams had treatment for a hematoma on his back but returned to practice Tuesday. Randall, a freshman with high expectations, suffered a knee injury in spring but is on schedule to return by the end of next month.

Clemson opens the season Sept. 5 at Georgia Tech, followed by home games Sept. 10 against Furman and Sept. 17 against Louisiana Tech.

"We haven't had those three guys, who are three starting guys for us, and the group has still held their own," Swinney said. "I'm pleased with the depth we've been able to create. Getting those guys back will be a big shot in the arm for us."

Swinney praised junior Brannon Spector, sophomores Decari Collins and Will Taylor as well as freshmen Antonio Williams and Cole Turner. Spector did not play last season because of COVID and complications.

"I think Spec led us today in catches," Swinney said. "He's had a really good camp. It's been awesome to see him. He's so consistent in practice every day. ... Decari had a nice, big play. Decari and Beaux have a lot of starting experience for us. I'm excited about Cole Turner. He's going to be a really good player. Antonio is going to help us. He made a nice, big play today. Will Taylor just gets better every single day."

Todd Shanesy covers Clemson athletics for the USA TODAY Network.

This article originally appeared on Greenville News: Clemson football: Joseph Ngata among few healthy receivers