CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Sammy Watkins is Demarcus Gregory’s guy.

The former All-American and current star for the Buffalo Bills became the favorite wide receiver for a lot kids when he was at Clemson from 2011-13. Gregory, who’s from right up the road at Byrnes High School, is among the masses.

“I like his explosion, how he gets the ball and he’s so explosive,” Gregory said, before The Opening last month.

“I’m trying to get like that someday, getting faster. That’s what I’m working on.”

The 2018 prospect got his feet wet during his first two years of high school, but a run of prominent older wide receivers limited his duties in the Rebels’ vaunted passing attack.

As a sophomore, Gregory caught 20 passes for 463 yards and six touchdowns. Chavis Dawkins, a South Carolina signee, led the team with 73 catches for 1,319 yards and 17 touchdowns.

“It was good…I learned a lot from him.,” Gregory said. “I’m ready to step up this year and be the main man. Hopefully, I’ll have a big year this year.”

Another step forward in 2016 could pay dividends down the road. So far, Gregory already has offers from UNC, NC State and Wake Forest.

Clemson wide receivers coach Jeff Scott recently told him that “good news” would be on the way if he stays the course. Translation: Clemson could be offering at some point in the not too distant future.

“Honestly, I’ve just been working,” Gregory said. “I was focused on that, but I’ve just been working, trying to see what else comes in.”

Though he’d also like to score offers from Georgia, Florida, Florida State and South Carolina, Gregory is thankful of the three already to his name.

“It’s awesome. It makes you want to work even harder,” he said.