How Will Clemson Replace Jake Briningstool at Tight End

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DepartingJake BriningstoolMarkus Dixon Moving to DEReturning to the Tight End RoomOlson PattHenry JuniorJosh Sapp Rs. JuniorBanks Pope Rs. SeniorComing off RedshirtChristian Betancur Rs. FreshmanNew to the TeamLogan Brooking Rs. Freshman, 247 3star2025 OutlookClemson must replace 530 receiving yards with starting TE Jake Briningstool heading off to the NFL. Theoretically, this leaves a major void, but Clemson is in a particularly good position to handle this without missing a Tigers return Olsen PattHenry who, despite being hurt this spring, is likely to start at TE in 2025. He only had 121 receiving yards last season but led all Clemson TEs in PFF grade. This was mostly because he provides such an upgrade in run blocking. Brininstool could use his 6footheight to snatch jump balls and occasionally displayed freaky athleticism, but he consistently earned poor grades in run Clemsons loaded wide receiver corps, getting reliable blocking at tight end may be more important for this year's rendition of the Clemson Tigers. Tristan Smith C.J. Fuller Jersey, standing at 6foot5, can serve as a big bodied red zone threat from the wide receiver should see a major uptick in yardage with more opportunities in 2025. While he may not reach Briningstools impressive 530yard mark, he should make up for it with his Sapp also returns and while he doesnt offer the same level of run blocking as PattHenry or the 6footheight that Jake Briningstool boasted, he has been impressive as a pure pass catcher. If he can become a plus blocker, he can solidify himself as a great no. 2 option and give Clemson a strong TE Pope, who was a walkon last year, also can play a role as a run block specialist at the position. He was the star of the last spring game but received minimal snaps in real game action 31 on offense. As a redshirt senior clocking in at a hefty 6foot4 250lbs, I expect Banks Pope play a Cannon Smith type role for the are two freshmen in this position group Ari Watford Jersey, one of which is coming off a redshirt year, Christian Betancur. Betancur was a highly rated fourstar from Illinois 100 ranked player per Rivals and per 247, with offers from Ohio State and Penn State among others. In my original review of him coming out of high school, I mentioned that he was typically split out wide like a receiver in high school so given that plus the usual longer learning curve for tight ends coming to Clemson, an immediate impact last year wasnt Tristan Smith Jersey, hes had a year to learn the system and the blocking. He was already a prolific receiving threat tallying 231 receptions for 3, 867 yards and 51 touchdowns in his Illinois high school football career. At 6foot4, 245lbs he has the build to block inline and win jump balls over the middle. He could be someone who challenges Sapp and Pope on the depth chart as the year goes on. Hell certainly be a name to listen for throughout the Spring and someone to watch in the Spring other is true freshman Logan Brooking. He is a midyear enrollee 3star from Savannah, GA. With so much talent ahead of him, a redshirt probably makes sense almost regardless of his readiness. His high school production was somewhat limited with only six career receiving TDs, but I was nevertheless impressed by high school film. Theres plenty of inline blocking there to see as well as receiving ability.