CLEMSON — If there is anyone who understands what Tyler Brown has gone through in the last seven months, it is Antonio Williams.
After having a freshman campaign that earned him Freshman All-American honors, expectations were high for Brown heading into the 2024 season. Unfortunately, the Clemson receiver never got an opportunity to live up to those expectations due to a high-ankle injury that limited him all season.
“I was in the same position as him with the injury happening and missing your whole sophomore season when everyone expects you to be out there after a great freshman campaign,” Williams said.
Williams understands completely what Brown went through last season.
Why?
Because he lived it the year before.
In 2022, Williams led Clemson with 56 catches for 604 yards and four touchdowns on his way to Freshman All-American honors. Like Brown, Williams suffered a foot injury that lingered all year in 2023, eventually forcing him to miss nine games.
It was a tough year for the Irmo, S.C., native, as he watched Brown fill in for him and shine. Brown hauled in 52 passes for 531 yards and four TDs to lead the Tigers. However, like Williams, Brown suffered a setback in ’24.
His injured ankle eventually required surgery, as he played in just six games and missed most of the year. With Brown on the bench, Williams became the unit’s leader, while freshmen Bryant Wesco and T.J. Moore shined as Freshmen All-Americans.
As Williams knows all too well, it was hard for Brown to watch knowing he was unable to do anything to help.
“I have tried to take him under my wing and to do things I did differently from year two to year three,” Williams said. “It’s recovery mainly. Just staying in the treatment room, getting in the cold tub and taking care of your body.
“You can’t blame anybody but yourself if things don’t work out.”
They worked out for Williams last year. He bounced back to lead Clemson with 75 receptions for a team-best 904 yards and a team-high 11 TDs. He earned First Team All-ACC honors and was the first Clemson receiver since Tee Higgins in 2019 to record double-digit TDs catches.
How has Brown responded to Williams’ leadership?
“He has been with me every day. He is probably in the cold tub right now,” Williams said.
Clemson fans will be able to see Brown and Williams this Saturday, as Clemson hosts its Annual Orange & White Spring Game at Memorial Stadium. The scrimmage is set to begin at 1 p.m. The spring game will not be televised.