Friday Feature #16: Antonio Williams
Clemson had a challenging year, to say the least. From pre-season national championship contenders to a 12-point loss in a Bowl game, to a freshman QB and a barely above .500 record, things have not gone swimmingly for the Tigers in 2025. That is epitomised by redshirt junior wideout, Antonio Williams, who has shone in games vs Duke and North Carolina, however, with little consistency. Check out my detailed scouting report on Williams below:
Background & Measurables
Name: Antonio Williams
Year: Redshirt Junior
Size: 5’11, 190 pounds
Position/Scheme Fit: Slot receiver in a Spread Offense
Former 4-star WR from Dutch Fork HS in Irmo, South Carolina. He committed to the Tigers in 2022 over the likes of Auburn, Ole Miss and South Carolina. He earned first-team Freshman All-American recognition from ESPN, On3 and Pro Football Focus after he caught 56 passes for 604 yards with four touchdowns in 690 offensive snaps over 14 games (10 starts). He also returned punts, kicks and had a couple of rushes and passes, showcasing his versatility. Unfortunately, he was not able to take a step forward in 2023, as he was limited to only 4 games and took a medical redshirt. He posted 22 receptions for 224 yards with two touchdowns and 3 punt returns.
He made a huge return to form in 2024, earning All-ACC 1st team recognition. That was after posting 75 receptions, 904 receiving yards and 11 receiving touchdowns over 14 games. He also added seven carries for 101 yards and a touchdown and went 2-for-2 passing for 62 yards with a touchdown pass (a prowess he very much showed in a 75-yard bomb vs UNC this year). His 9.65 yards per punt return was the most since Ray-Ray McCloud back in 2017. He entered the 2025 season firmly on the NFL draft radar, being named to the Shrine Bowl 1000 and Senior Bowl 300 before the season started. Williams did get hurt in the season opener vs LSU and missed some time, while never fully getting back on the same page as the slumping Cade Klubnik. Now with the season in the rearview mirror, the former Clemson receiver will look to remind NFL talent evaluators of his versatile skillset.
Detailed Scouting Report
Strengths
1. Quick over short distances. Operates effectively in the slot and runs clean out-breaking and comeback routes, which have provided a safety blanket for Klubnik, when he's been healthy. Also clever enough to break into the 2nd window when the route is initially jammed.
2. Versatile receiver who has done it all for the Tigers. Lines up in the slot, outside and even in the backfield in motion. Has thrown and run in TDs during his time at Clemson and should have a high floor as a special teams player. Threw a 75-yard TD vs UNC on the very first offensive play that looked like a seasoned QB and was credited as a big-time throw with PFF.
3. Shows really good hands. Comfortable making catches from any alignment, and has shown a capability to handle volume. Hauls in over 75% of his targets with only one drop in 2025. Also returns punts for the Tigers and has been sure-handed, not muffing a punt in 3 years.
4. When healthy, Williams has been highly productive. Also looks more polished and comfortable in the offense in 2025, which bodes well for his future role at the next level.
5. Has shown real character to battle back from injury and has had some strong performances down the stretch in 2025. He fights for the ball when it's in the air with a tenacity that belies his size.
Development Points
1. Has had some injury issues during his time at Clemson. Had a hamstring injury in the season opener vs LSU, which caused him to miss multiple games. Williams was also limited to only four games in 2023 due to various injuries and had to redshirt.
2. Offers very little consistency as a blocker. Shies away from physicality in the run game at times and really only occupies space in running lanes. Struggles downfield to sustain blocks on underneath screens for other receivers.
3. Can be more patient on his routes. Signposts some of his routes in the redzone, particularly, and needs a bit more nuance to get corners off track. Might not have the route tree to play outside, and can overrun wide-open throws.
4. Less explosive after the catch this year. Average depth of target in 2025 (7.7) ranks among the lowest in the FBS, while his contested catch % is below 50%. Looks more like a slot volume catcher at the moment without a high degree of pop to his game.
5. Quite a bit of empty production in the Clemson offense this year, as he was force-fed targets at times. A lot of screens or short passes on 3rd and long that didn't go for 1st downs vs Louisville, and he has been schemed open too often rather than winning a lot one-on-one.
Conclusion
Williams has had his injury issues at Clemson, but has been very productive when healthy. He is quick in short bursts, with good hands and has been a real safety blanket for Klubnik that has been missed at times, while he's been hurt. His versatility is among the best in the class, playing special teams and throwing 75-yard TDs, but he isn't an elite route runner or blocker. His explosiveness has taken a knock post-injuries, so he will need to show a bit more by the end of the draft process to work his way back to near the top of the WR class. What I see at the moment is an early Day 3 receiver with some upside, along with special teams versatility.
Grade: 6.1/9.0 (4th round grade)
Player Comp: Jayden Reed
Team Fits: Dolphins, Lions, Rams