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Clemson vs. Louisville: 5 players to watch

By Jake Goldstein-Street

CLEMSON, SC - OCTOBER 01: Lamar Jackson #8 of the Louisville Cardinals stiff-arms Van Smith #23 of the Clemson Tigers during the game at Memorial Stadium on October 1, 2016 in Clemson, South Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)
CLEMSON, SC - OCTOBER 01: Lamar Jackson #8 of the Louisville Cardinals stiff-arms Van Smith #23 of the Clemson Tigers during the game at Memorial Stadium on October 1, 2016 in Clemson, South Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) /
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INDIANAPOLIS, IN – SEPTEMBER 02: Jaylen Smith
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – SEPTEMBER 02: Jaylen Smith /

2. Jaylen Smith, Louisville, WR

Unlike Hunter Renfrow, Jaylen Smith is a wide receiver who uses his length as an advantage over defenders. He has been the top target of Lamar Jackson to start the season. He has caught 17 passes for 300 yards and one touchdown in just two games.

Smith has stepped up big time for this Louisville offense. It was unclear if they would be able to rekindle the magic they had found last season with three of Jackson’s favorite receivers leaving. Wideouts James Quick and Jamari Staples, as well as tight end Cole Hikutini all left the team.

Smith is on pace to blow his numbers from 2016 out of the water. He caught 27 passes for 599 yards last season and it wouldn’t be hard to see those numbers doubling in 2017.

Prior to the season, Smith sounded excited about the possibility of having a bigger role in the offense and has taken advantage of the opportunity.

The junior is known for his ability to catch long passes down the field. His average was 22.2 yards per catch last season, a mark that was third-best of all receivers in the entire FBS. If Clemson has a weakness on defense it is in the secondary, so Smith’s ability to make big plays could spell trouble for the Tigers. Furthermore, Jackson is the perfect quarterback to take advantage of that problem because of his ability to extend the play and give his receivers time to escape coverage.

If Jaylen Smith can make some early catches it could force Clemson to panic and open up the defense even further.

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