Will Fuller is one of the hottest wide receivers in the country. Clemson cornerback Mackensie Alexander considers himself one of the best cornerbacks in the nation. As we examine the many subplots that’ll come into play this weekend, this showdown on the edge will be one of the best to watch.
Clemson defensive coordinator Brent Venables certainly thinks so. Last week, he had nothing but good things to say about Fuller in his media availability, calling Fuller the best receiver he’s seen on tape and comparing him favorably to former Florida State standout Rashad Greene.
“They got probably the best receiver in America,” Venables said, per the Clemson Insider. “He might be the best there is. He gets my vote from the guys I’ve watched on tape, by a landslide.
“Fuller is very dynamic... Fuller is big and really fast. He can go up and highpoint the ball. He runs very good routes and runs in and out of his breaks extremely well. This guy is better than (former Florida State receiver Rashad) Greene.”
Green had Clemson’s number during his record-setting career in Tallahassee. (He also had Notre Dame’s, catching eight passes for 108 yards and a touchdown.) In four games against the Tigers he averaged more than 100 yards a game and scored five times. So credit the Tigers’ defensive coordinator for sounding the alarm bells, and making sure that in Clemson’s 17 days between games they didn’t forget about Notre Dame’s touchdown scoring machine.
The Irish have seen some solid secondaries this season, but heading to Clemson will be a different challenge. And it’s pretty clear that Clemson views Notre Dame in a different light, after starting their season with FCS Wofford, Appalachian State and Louisville.
“I told Mackensie, this will be the best one you’ve seen,” Venables said, while also telling reporters that it won’t be a one-man matchup. “We’re about to find out what the heck he’s all about.”