Clemson Football: How Sammy Watkins Plans to Avoid Sophomore Slump

In 2010, the lack of playmakers in the passing game proved fatal to a stagnant offense that relied heavily on Andre Ellington, who went down midway through that season. The result was a 6-7 season.

But Dabo Swinney and the coaching staff managed to put together a top 10 recruiting class that year. And the gem of that class was none other than wide receiver Sammy Watkins out of Fort Myers, Florida. And he showed why he was rated as one of the best receivers in the nation coming out of high school, compiling 1,219 receiving yards on 82 receptions with 12 touchdowns. Watkins quickly became one of the most explosive freshmen in all of college football.

Now, going into 2012, every team knows what Watkins is capable of in both the offense and the return game. The Tigers know that Watkins must continue to have success in an already talented group of receivers for the Tigers. But how does Watkins plan to avoid the dreaded sophomore slump? 

Stay Healthy

While Watkins only missed one game with a shoulder injury, the injury was enough to hinder him to a point where he didn't quite play the same afterwards. This year, Watkins will make sure he stays healthy for all of the regular season. If he does, Clemson could be well on its way back to Charlotte for another ACC Championship Game.

Watkins' health also helps to open up the offense for the Tigers' other playmakers, both on the ground in Andre Ellington, and other receivers such as Deandre Hopkins and Jaron Brown.

Get More Involved in Special Teams

Sammy Watkins is already heavily involved in the offense and is the main threat for the Tigers on kickoff returns. He still plans to get more involved.

This offseason, in order to get the ball in his hands more, the coaching staff has had Watkins work as the main punt returner to give this position a boost, which did not have a lot of return opportunities last year with Deandre Hopkins. Watkins' speed and agility will come in handy for both him and special teams, as it means more touches for the Tigers' biggest play making receiver and better field position for the Tiger offense.

Get Stronger and Faster

It's hard to believe that Watkins is only a freshman. That means he still has the capability to get stronger and faster.

This offseason, Watkins goes on the weight training program and he was already strong coming in as a true freshman. His getting stronger will also be attributed to his staying healthy on the field. At the same time, Watkins does not need to lose his game breaking speed that makes him one of the Tigers' best deep threats next to up and coming receiver Martavis Bryant.

It is inevitable that Watkins will be the primary focus of opposing defenses in the passing game, so as long as he keeps his speed, improves his strength and continues to grow, he will be on track to avoid the dreaded sophomore slump.

Become One with the Chad Morris Offense

In year one of the Chad Morris offense, Tiger fans got a taste of what this offense can truly be capable of. With an experienced running back and a group of talented receivers led by Sammy Watkins, Morris will undoubtedly add more to his system than he did last year.

Watkins must step up his game as his offensive coordinator steps up the intensity of his offense. 

One example is the instillation of the pistol offense to boost the Tigers' running game. There is no doubt that there will be plays designed to get the ball in Watkins' hands. And in addition to the pistol, Morris is sure to have added more to the offense he already employed last season. Watkins must be sure to know these plays like the back of his hand if he wants to continue where he left off last season.