Tight End Turnover? Not So Fast — Clemson’s Versatile Room Ready to Step Up
Jake Briningstool is gone, but Clemson’s tight end room might be deeper—and more athletic—than ever.
“I think it’s a really fun group,” said offensive coordinator Garrett Riley. “We’ve got guys who can be matchup problems. We’ve got versatility. We’ve got upside.”
At the heart of the room is Christian Bittencourt, a name fans may not know yet, but one Riley believes could become a household one soon.
“He’s physical, he’s athletic, and he can do a little bit of everything,” Riley said. “He’s got that Swiss Army knife feel to him. I think he can be a real weapon.”
Joining Bittencourt is veteran Josh Sapp, who made one of the spring’s most exciting plays with a touchdown grab during the final scrimmage before break. Add in Banks Pope—a steady, reliable presence who played key snaps down the stretch in 2023—and the group suddenly feels very solid.
Even depth pieces like Logan Brooking and Charlie Johnson are flashing in new roles. Johnson, a former wide receiver, has added size and is giving the Tigers another hybrid pass-catching option.
“Charlie’s picked things up quickly,” Riley noted. “He gives us a different look—more of that big-bodied receiver type who can move inside and create mismatches.”
With so much youth elsewhere, having a tight end group capable of filling multiple roles might be exactly what Clemson’s offense needs to take a leap in 2024.
“We’ve got pieces,” Riley said. “Now it’s about figuring out how to use them.”
