Tiger Board Logo

Donor's Den General Leaderboards TNET coins™ POTD Hall of Fame Map FAQ
GIVE AN AWARD
Use your TNET coins™ to grant this post a special award!

W
50
Big Brain
90
Love it!
100
Cheers
100
Helpful
100
Made Me Smile
100
Great Idea!
150
Mind Blown
150
Caring
200
Flammable
200
Hear ye, hear ye
200
Bravo
250
Nom Nom Nom
250
Take My Coins
500
Ooo, Shiny!
700
Treasured Post!
1000

YOUR BALANCE
Whos the best receiver in Clemson history?
Tiger Boards - Clemson Football
add New Topic
Topics: Previous | Next
Replies: 83
| visibility 8547

Whos the best receiver in Clemson history?

7

Jun 30, 2025, 1:50 PM
Reply

My vote is Tee Higgins.

flag link military_tech thumb_downthumb_up

Re: Whos the best receiver in Clemson history?

6

Jun 30, 2025, 1:52 PM
Reply

Higgins or Hopkins

Then Sammy

flag link military_tech thumb_downthumb_up

Almost said Sammy. DHop did it more in the NFL.

4

Jun 30, 2025, 1:54 PM
Reply

Almost forgot about Mike Williams

flag link military_tech thumb_downthumb_up

Re: Almost said Sammy. DHop did it more in the NFL.


Jul 5, 2025, 2:05 PM
Reply

Best all around talent was Jerry Butler, and if we threw the ball more he would have the stats. Reference, the catch….
Hands, moves, speed, leaping ability, just best all around talent. Unfortunately, he had a bad knee injury in the pros.

Then Sammy, Perry Tuttle, Nuke, Clark, Ross, Tee, others…..
They were all great, plus some others! We have had some great ones at WRU over the years.

flag link military_tech thumb_downthumb_up

Re: Whos the best receiver in Clemson history?

16

Jun 30, 2025, 2:03 PM [ in reply to Re: Whos the best receiver in Clemson history? ]
Reply

Sammy was better than Nuk at Clemson. Nuk has had a much better professional career and may be a HOFer.


Nuk: 206 rec, 3020 yds, 27 TD
Sammy: 240 rec, 3391 yds, 27 TD


But ALSO for Sammy:
339 yds rushing
Over 1000 yds kick returns
Played 3 fewer games


Both were awesome and had iconic moments, but to me, Sammy was one of the most exciting players in the country and in Clemson history. His size, speed, and hands combo were unmatched. My favorite play - of many - is when UGA ran a long TD run and the very next play from scrimmage, Sammy took a slant, ran over a linebacker, and took it to the house. Immediately flipped momentum back in our favor and the Valley was as loud as I've ever heard it that day.

flag link military_tech thumb_downthumb_up

Re: Whos the best receiver in Clemson history?


Jul 1, 2025, 5:43 AM
Reply

Awesome information 👍 Thanks for posting ☺️
Go Tigers!!💪💪

flag link military_tech thumb_downthumb_up

Re: Whos the best receiver in Clemson history?


Jul 4, 2025, 11:20 AM [ in reply to Re: Whos the best receiver in Clemson history? ]
Reply

Yup, Sammy for the win

2025 white level memberbadge-donor-10yr.jpg flag link military_tech thumb_downthumb_up

Mike Williams, Sammy, Hopkins lead my vote. Then - Renfrow, Higgins, Butler

3

Jun 30, 2025, 7:12 PM [ in reply to Re: Whos the best receiver in Clemson history? ]
Reply

IMO anyway.
I don’t like the definitive “best”. I like the top category.

2025 white level member flag link military_tech thumb_downthumb_up

Re: Whos the best receiver in Clemson history?

4

Jun 30, 2025, 1:53 PM
Reply

This is a really good question. There are some great options.

If I'm starting a team from scratch, it's Sammy.

2025 orange level memberbadge-donor-10yr.jpg flag link military_tech thumb_downthumb_up

Re: Whos the best receiver in Clemson history?

3

Jun 30, 2025, 1:54 PM
Reply

If I had to vote for one, Mike Williams. There are many others that could be considered, 3 on this years team.


Go Tigers

2025 orange level memberbadge-donor-10yr.jpgtnet-military.jpg flag link military_tech thumb_downthumb_up

monter le cheval de fer
A coot will usually blink when hit in the head with a ball-peen hammer


Re: Whos the best receiver in Clemson history?

11

Jun 30, 2025, 2:06 PM
Reply

Sammy Watkins


You put Sammy on the teams with Deshaun or Trevor he’d be a national champion too


Not like he didn’t have Tajh Boyd, but just saying we had our championships defenses later after Sammy

2025 student level member flag link military_tech thumb_downthumb_up

I get that, but I dont think Sammy was held back because of Tahj.

2

Jun 30, 2025, 2:26 PM
Reply

Tahj was very productive at Clemson. He was the man at that time for sure. For me, it’s a tough call between Tee and Sammy.

As for DHop, his career didn’t truly take off until the NFL. Of course he didn’t have TL or DW, so it’s tough to gauge what he might have done under a more productive offense.

flag link military_tech thumb_downthumb_up

Re: I get that, but I dont think Sammy was held back because of Tahj.


Jul 4, 2025, 10:24 PM
Reply

I think you’ve misinterpreted

I mentioned that our championship defenses came later after Sammy. More complete teams and more equipped to win the national championship.



Tajh Boyd was not related to “holding back” Sammy


You give Tajh the 2018 defense and he’s a national champion too, likely


It’s about the completeness of the teams



Tajh held the ACC passing TD record for like 10 years. Like 133 or something.

Tajh elevated Sammy and vice versa





2025 student level member flag link military_tech thumb_downthumb_up

Hopkins would have been the ACC career reception leader if he had stayed


Jul 5, 2025, 6:14 PM [ in reply to I get that, but I dont think Sammy was held back because of Tahj. ]
Reply

the 4th year. Not as explosive as Watkins though. And Tajh had the ability to get Sammy the ball no matter where he was. Watkins was just a beast. Returns. Screens. Slants. Deep routes. Sweeps. He could do it all!

2025 white level memberbadge-donor-05yr.jpg flag link military_tech thumb_downthumb_up

Re: Whos the best receiver in Clemson history?

6

Jun 30, 2025, 2:07 PM
Reply

At Clemson......Sammy. In the NFL......Nuk.

2025 purple level memberbadge-donor-05yr.jpg flag link military_tech thumb_downthumb_up


This is my answer as well. I can't remember a WR that could take over a game

1

Jul 1, 2025, 11:49 AM
Reply

like Sammy could at Clemson. If you would have bet me that Nuk would have had a significantly better NFL career than Sammy when they got drafted, I would have lost my house.

flag link military_tech thumb_downthumb_up

null


Re: This is my answer as well. I can't remember a WR that could take over a game


Jul 5, 2025, 4:36 AM
Reply

Contact the Orange Bowl against Ohio State again it would be hard not to Sammy. Nuk was Greta in College and had a better pro career, but Sammy just had some dominate games while he was at Clemson.

flag link military_tech thumb_downthumb_up

I've always been partial to Nuk but Sammy was awesome. Tee has always been

3

Jun 30, 2025, 2:11 PM
Reply

my favorite!! Then there is Mike, Hunter, Hamilton, among others.

2025 orange level memberbadge-donor-10yr.jpgringofhonormyfavorange.jpg flag link military_tech thumb_downthumb_up

Re: Whos the best receiver in Clemson history?

5

Jun 30, 2025, 2:14 PM
Reply

For a single game performance, I like Justyn Ross in the CFP Championship against Bama. Some of those catches were amazing, and backbreaking for the elephants.

2025 orange level memberbadge-donor-15yr.jpg flag link military_tech thumb_downthumb_up

"Anybody that says Coach Brownell is the best coach to come through Clemson is going to start an argument." -JP Hall


Re: Whos the best receiver in Clemson history?

2

Jun 30, 2025, 2:54 PM
Reply

Same for me too. Ross was unbelievable in that game.

flag link military_tech thumb_downthumb_up

Re: Whos the best receiver in Clemson history?

1

Jul 4, 2025, 11:52 AM [ in reply to Re: Whos the best receiver in Clemson history? ]
Reply

Jerry Butler

flag link military_tech thumb_downthumb_up

Re: Whos the best receiver in Clemson history?

4

Jun 30, 2025, 2:16 PM
Reply

I agree it’s tee Higgins….. Hopkins, Williams, Watkins all great but Tee has the height, hands and elite speed

flag link military_tech thumb_downthumb_up


Easy - Sammy Watkins. Although we've had some great ones over the......

4

Jun 30, 2025, 2:27 PM
Reply

years, he's the best for sure IMO.

flag link military_tech thumb_downthumb_up

Re: Whos the best receiver in Clemson history?

7

Jun 30, 2025, 2:42 PM
Reply

I'll take Renfrow

flag link military_tech thumb_downthumb_up

Re: Whos the best receiver in Clemson history?

1

Jun 30, 2025, 4:33 PM
Reply

Charlie Waters....Back when the game was PURE

flag link military_tech thumb_downthumb_up

Sammy Watkins

5

Jun 30, 2025, 2:47 PM
Reply

After all he is the all-time Clemson leader in 100-yard receiving games (15), total receiving yards (3,391) and touchdowns (27) and also ranks second in total catches with 240.

flag link military_tech thumb_downthumb_up

Re: Sammy Watkins

2

Jun 30, 2025, 2:52 PM
Reply

Well he’s tied with tho most receiving touchdowns with Tee Higgins and DeAndre Hopkins but I still pick him since he holds firsts in other records.

flag link military_tech thumb_downthumb_up

Watkins was pretty much the man when at Clemson.

3

Jun 30, 2025, 3:40 PM
Reply

Tee had to share the ball more, and as you noted still had as many TDs.

A tough call IMO.

flag link military_tech thumb_downthumb_up

Re: Sammy Watkins

4

Jun 30, 2025, 5:36 PM [ in reply to Sammy Watkins ]
Reply

Sammy no doubt! Dismantled the bucknuts and set the OB record doing it 16 catches for 227 yds and 2 scores.

tnet-military.jpg flag link military_tech thumb_downthumb_up

Re: Whos the best receiver in Clemson history?

5

Jun 30, 2025, 2:52 PM
Reply

Going to give 2 answers. Best in my view was Sammy Watkins as he did more than just receive. Now want to talk clutch, that of course was 3rd and Renfrow. No one had as many clutch catches as Hunter did. When we needed that 1st, you knew you could count on #13.

tnet-military.jpg flag link military_tech thumb_downthumb_up

Re: Whos the best receiver in Clemson history?

2

Jun 30, 2025, 3:00 PM
Reply



2025 orange level memberbadge-donor-05yr.jpg flag link military_tech thumb_downthumb_up

the tug abides


Re: Whos the best receiver in Clemson history?

2

Jun 30, 2025, 3:16 PM
Reply

That, and the Yamaha CR-600 we blasted E-2 with 24/7.

2025 white level memberbadge-donor-05yr.jpg flag link military_tech thumb_downthumb_up


Yamaha CR-600

2

Jun 30, 2025, 3:41 PM
Reply



Excellent --
All I had was a record player.

2025 orange level memberbadge-donor-05yr.jpg flag link military_tech thumb_downthumb_up

the tug abides


Re: Yamaha CR-600

2

Jun 30, 2025, 3:43 PM
Reply

And that record player was enough. Good times, all.

2025 white level memberbadge-donor-05yr.jpg flag link military_tech thumb_downthumb_up


Yep. Had a JVC system with Cerwin Vega speakers.

1

Jun 30, 2025, 4:15 PM
Reply

Had an apartment at Riverbank Commons overlooking the pool.. open the window and jam out! Good times like you said.

Ended up giving the whole set to Goodwill. Now I wish I didn’t do that.

flag link military_tech thumb_downthumb_up

Well she has too many receptions to count lol***

2

Jun 30, 2025, 3:41 PM [ in reply to Re: Whos the best receiver in Clemson history? ]
Reply



flag link military_tech thumb_downthumb_up

Re: Whos the best receiver in Clemson history?

4

Jun 30, 2025, 3:17 PM
Reply

The others in mentioned were good but Sammy is the only one in the group that I recall just taking over games for us. He was awesome as a college player and solid as a pro.

flag link military_tech thumb_downthumb_up

Re: Whos the best receiver in Clemson history?

6

Jun 30, 2025, 3:21 PM
Reply

Step aside youngsters. The best would be Jerry Butler or Dwight Clark.

flag link military_tech thumb_downthumb_up

Re: Whos the best receiver in Clemson history?

2

Jun 30, 2025, 3:56 PM
Reply

Love Dwight Clark but he only had like 500 yards and 3 touchdowns in his career.

flag link military_tech thumb_downthumb_up

Re: Whos the best receiver in Clemson history?

5

Jun 30, 2025, 3:22 PM
Reply

Jerry Butler or Perry Tuttle.

flag link military_tech thumb_downthumb_up

Jerry Butler***

5

Jun 30, 2025, 3:23 PM
Reply



flag link military_tech thumb_downthumb_up


Sammy by a long shot

8

Jun 30, 2025, 3:46 PM
Reply

If you were in the Orange Bowl vs Ohio State, you would understand

flag link military_tech thumb_downthumb_up

And the comeback vs Maryland***

4

Jun 30, 2025, 3:50 PM
Reply



flag link military_tech thumb_downthumb_up

He was the best athlete on the team and highly featured .

1

Jun 30, 2025, 4:19 PM [ in reply to Sammy by a long shot ]
Reply

Tremendously skilled athlete. He was the primary target for the Clemson offense at the time, whereas there were a lot more options when Tee was playing.

Tough one in my opinion.

flag link military_tech thumb_downthumb_up

Re: Whos the best receiver in Clemson history?

4

Jun 30, 2025, 3:52 PM
Reply

Sammy and it ain't close.

flag link military_tech thumb_downthumb_up

Re: Whos the best receiver in Clemson history?

4

Jun 30, 2025, 3:54 PM
Reply

Will Swinney. That catch in 2018 against FSU was amazing……

tnet-military.jpg flag link military_tech thumb_downthumb_up

Re: Whos the best receiver in Clemson history?

3

Jun 30, 2025, 3:57 PM
Reply

You're right can't believe I forgot about William.

flag link military_tech thumb_downthumb_up

Definitely close with all factors considered.***

1

Jun 30, 2025, 4:19 PM [ in reply to Re: Whos the best receiver in Clemson history? ]
Reply



flag link military_tech thumb_downthumb_up

Sammy Watkins gets my vote.***

4

Jun 30, 2025, 3:57 PM
Reply



tnet-military.jpg flag link military_tech thumb_downthumb_up


Re: Whos the best receiver in Clemson history?

2

Jun 30, 2025, 4:20 PM
Reply

Sammy

2025 white level memberbadge-donor-05yr.jpg flag link military_tech thumb_downthumb_up

"If a pig had a better personality, he would cease to be a filthy animal."


Re: Whos the best receiver in Clemson history?

2

Jun 30, 2025, 5:37 PM
Reply

Rod Gardner gets an honorable mention.

flag link military_tech thumb_downthumb_up

Yup. Wouldve loved to see him in todays offense.***

1

Jun 30, 2025, 5:54 PM
Reply



flag link military_tech thumb_downthumb_up

Re: Whos the best receiver in Clemson history?

2

Jun 30, 2025, 6:04 PM
Reply

For me it’s Sammy hands down

2025 student level member flag link military_tech thumb_downthumb_up

Re: Whos the best receiver in Clemson history?

1

Jun 30, 2025, 6:09 PM
Reply

Can’t believe you guys forgot about the one and only Christian Wilkins. He was the first defensive lineman to catch a touchdown in Clemson history. He only had 2 catches at Clemson but I bet you if he had given up playing defense then he would have been the best big man WR ever.

flag link military_tech thumb_downthumb_up

Re: Whos the best receiver in Clemson history?

2

Jun 30, 2025, 6:11 PM
Reply

Nuk

flag link military_tech thumb_downthumb_up

Re: Whos the best receiver in Clemson history?

3

Jun 30, 2025, 6:31 PM
Reply

Sammy Watkins easily....he was out of the box ready and no one had his combination of hands, speed amd power.

flag link military_tech thumb_downthumb_up

Re: Whos the best receiver in Clemson history?

2

Jun 30, 2025, 11:09 PM
Reply

Best hands is Renfrow …

Best football player … best tough guy … Dwight Clark

The guy I want to see in the huddle … Sammy Watkins

tnet-military.jpg flag link military_tech thumb_downthumb_up

Re: Whos the best receiver in Clemson history?

4

Jun 30, 2025, 11:35 PM
Reply

Here is my Top 10 ranking :
10. Perry Tuttle
9. Justyn Ross
8. Derrick Hamilton
7. Hunter Renfrow
6. Mike Williams
5. Rod Gardner
4. Jerry Butler
3. Tee Higgins
2. DeAndre Hopkins
1. Sammy Watkins

2025 white level memberbadge-donor-10yr.jpg flag link military_tech thumb_downthumb_up

DB23


DHop didnt really become what he is until the NFL

1

Jul 4, 2025, 3:36 PM
Reply

DHop played one year with Boyd, and it started clicking, but before then we didn’t have the offense to showcase him. DHop is a great one for sure and NFL star, but the summary of his Clemson career doesn’t show #2 all time, in my opinion.

Sammy also was basically THE GUY on our offense and he touched the way tons more than Tee did. There were so many weapons to utilize when Tee was here, and he didn’t have the benefit of racking up stats as the primary dude for the offense. Tee definitely has shown a better skill set in the pros. It’s a close call, but not going to argue between Sammy and Tee. Just different situations really.

flag link military_tech thumb_downthumb_up

And too, thats a GREAT list there.


Jul 4, 2025, 3:44 PM [ in reply to Re: Whos the best receiver in Clemson history? ]
Reply

Seems you captured the 10 best Clemson WRs of all time there, just a little switching around for me. Considering time at Clemson and era in which they played:

10. Rod Gardner
9. Perry Tuttle
8. Justyn Ross
7. Jerry Butler
6. DHop
5. Hunter Renfrow
4. Derrick Hamilton
3. Mike Williams
1B Tee Higgins
1A Sammy Watkins

flag link military_tech thumb_downthumb_up

Re: Whos the best receiver in Clemson history?


Jun 30, 2025, 11:43 PM
Reply

The decene is loose Sammy

flag link military_tech thumb_downthumb_up

Re: Whos the best receiver in Clemson history?

1

Jun 30, 2025, 11:44 PM
Reply

The deuce is loose #2

flag link military_tech thumb_downthumb_up

Re: Whos the best receiver in Clemson history?

1

Jul 1, 2025, 12:29 AM
Reply

Sammy Watkins. Not sure why this is even a discussion. Easiest position debate to settle.

flag link military_tech thumb_downthumb_up

Sheer numbers maybe, but he was THE MAN on that offense.


Jul 4, 2025, 3:45 PM
Reply

Tee had to share the ball with much more talent.

flag link military_tech thumb_downthumb_up

Re: Whos the best receiver in Clemson history?

1

Jul 1, 2025, 12:32 AM
Reply

Higgins

badge-donor-10yr.jpg flag link military_tech thumb_downthumb_up

Re: Whos the best receiver in Clemson history?

1

Jul 1, 2025, 1:26 AM
Reply

Sammy!

2025 purple level member flag link military_tech thumb_downthumb_up

"It is not part of a true culture to tame tigers any more than it is to make sheep ferocious."
--Henry David Thoreau


Re: Whos the best receiver in Clemson history?

2

Jul 1, 2025, 8:20 AM
Reply

Not the answer to the question but I always wonder what the Rod Gardner, Aaron Kelly, Jacoby Ford, and Kevin Youngblood types would have looked like with Watson or Lawrence at the helm.

Clearly not the quality of Hopkins, Watkins, etc based off their NFL careers but those were the guys we thought were special before we were in our WRU era.

flag link military_tech thumb_downthumb_up

Re: Whos the best receiver in Clemson history?

1

Jul 1, 2025, 8:25 AM
Reply

forgot one of my favorites as a kid, Derrick Hamilton!

flag link military_tech thumb_downthumb_up

Re: Whos the best receiver in Clemson history?

1

Jul 1, 2025, 10:22 AM
Reply

An extremely strong argument could be made for Hunter Renfrow. Made many incredible catches, was extremely consistent, and was our most reliable guy in the biggest moment.

From an efficiency perspective, definitely Tee Higgins.

From an excitement perspective, a healthy Sammy Watkins was a true joy to behold.

Personally, my all time fave is Tay Scott. He’s a personal friend and I met him while he was being recruited. Guy was so dynamic and consistent. All time Clemson reception leader.

flag link military_tech thumb_downthumb_up

Re: Whos the best receiver in Clemson history?

1

Jul 1, 2025, 11:52 AM
Reply

Statistically speaking its Sammy...But man Nuk and Tee were dynamic...

tnet-military.jpg flag link military_tech thumb_downthumb_up

"We the people are the rightful masters of both Congress and the courts, not to overthrow the Constitution but to overthrow the men who pervert the Constitution." - Abraham Lincoln


Thats a good way to put it. Cant question #2s stats.


Jul 4, 2025, 3:51 PM
Reply

Very dynamic dude obviously. He was the feature guy, by far, and Tee had to share the ball with many other dudes. Nuk is incredible and may be the best, but he only got to play in a real offense one year for us.

flag link military_tech thumb_downthumb_up

Re: Whos the best receiver in Clemson history?

1

Jul 1, 2025, 11:57 AM
Reply

Just at Clemson-I'd go with Sammy.

flag link military_tech thumb_downthumb_up

Re: Whos the best receiver in Clemson history?

1

Jul 1, 2025, 2:33 PM
Reply

1) Sammy Watkins
2) Mike Williams
3)Tee Higgins

flag link military_tech thumb_downthumb_up

Re: Whos the best receiver in Clemson history?

1

Jul 1, 2025, 5:12 PM
Reply

The flat earther, Sammy.

flag link military_tech thumb_downthumb_up

Re: Whos the best receiver in Clemson history?

1

Jul 4, 2025, 9:25 AM
Reply

Hunter Renfrow.

flag link military_tech thumb_downthumb_up

Re: Whos the best receiver in Clemson history?

1

Jul 4, 2025, 11:36 AM
Reply

Who had the best hands?

flag link military_tech thumb_downthumb_up

Saw a video once of DHop catching 30-something passes in a row.


Jul 4, 2025, 3:48 PM
Reply

With one hand.

Dhops are the best I’ve ever seen at any level honestly.

flag link military_tech thumb_downthumb_up

Re: Whos the best receiver in Clemson history?

1

Jul 4, 2025, 3:10 PM
Reply

Renfrow

flag link military_tech thumb_downthumb_up

Sammy, Sammy, and Sammy. He also gets my vote

1

Jul 4, 2025, 3:14 PM
Reply

For best football player. Could run, catch, block with aggression, and score! Terrific ball player.

flag link military_tech thumb_downthumb_up

Re: Whos the best receiver in Clemson history?

1

Jul 4, 2025, 3:30 PM
Reply

Tee Higgins
Sammy Watkins
Mike Williams
Nuk

All those could be considered imo

flag link military_tech thumb_downthumb_up

Re: Whos the best receiver in Clemson history?

1

Jul 4, 2025, 3:41 PM
Reply

Hunter Renfro caught a TD pass that was a major play for us to win a Natty.

2025 orange level member flag link military_tech thumb_downthumb_up

Maybe the biggest play in Clemson history thus far***


Jul 4, 2025, 3:53 PM
Reply



flag link military_tech thumb_downthumb_up

Re: Whos the best receiver in Clemson history?


Jul 5, 2025, 8:58 AM
Reply

Hunter Renfrow won two national championships. In all seriousness I’m taking Sammy Watkins

flag link military_tech thumb_downthumb_up

Sammy was ready for the pros the day he walked in to Clemson football.


Jul 5, 2025, 6:53 PM
Reply

IDK what's wrong with you people. Nuke had two things going for him, he had pro quality hands and was fast enough to break free at the LOS.

It took Nuk a full year to learn his position. I respect what Nuk did for Clemson but he wouldn't make a pimple on Watkins butt.

2025 orange level memberbadge-donor-15yr.jpgringofhonor-clemsontiger1988-110.jpg flag link military_tech thumb_downthumb_up

Replies: 83
| visibility 8547
Tiger Boards - Clemson Football
add New Topic
Topics: Previous | Next