Deon Cain

The NFL loves speed and few in the 2018 wide receiver class offer a more tantalizing combination of it, size and a knack for scoring touchdowns than Cain. Cain's big play ability was obvious from the start at Clemson, where he broke 2015 No. 4 overall pick Sammy Watkins' freshman record with touchdown grabs in five consecutive games - a rather amazing feat given that until that it was his first season at receiver after starring as a dual-threat quarterback in high school. Though it was obvious that he would be switching positions in college, Cain's raw athleticism earned him plenty of attention from recruiters. With a stacked depth chart ahead of him at Clemson, it was anticipated that he would get a year or two to acclimate to the position. A freak neck injury to future No. 7 overall pick Mike Williams early in the 2015 season, however, thrust Cain into a more prominent role. In part due to two suspensions (which sidelined him for a total of three games), Cain only started one game in 2015 but he caught 34 passes for 582 yards and five scores his first season on campus, pacing the team with a gaudy 17.1 yards per catch average. Those numbers would only grow in his sophomore season despite the return of Williams, as well as future NFL prospects at slot receiver in Artavis Scott and Hunter Renfrow. With so many mouths to feed on Clemson's offense, Cain only increased the number of catches as a sophomore by two, hauling in 36 passes overall. The big play spark he showed as a freshman was even more obvious in 2016, when Cain averaged a touchdown every four receptions, finishing just one score behind Williams (10) for the team lead and jumping to 724 receiving yards. Cain's career-high 19.1 yards per reception ranked fourth in the ACC in the 2017 and was among the best in school history. With Deshaun Watson moving on to the NFL, Clemson's passing attack took an understandable dip in 2017 and the gaudy yards-per-catch and touchdowns that had previously characterized Cain's play suffered as a result. Starting all 14 games, he produced career-highs in receptions (58), finishing just two behind team-leader Renfrow and paced the team with 734 yards, including six grabs for 75 yards as Clemson's most effective pass-catcher in the Sugar Bowl loss to eventual national champion Alabama. Led by new quarterback Kelly Bryant, the Tigers threw just 17 touchdown passes in 2017 with Cain securing six of them, double Clemson's next best pass-catcher, helping him earn Third Team All-ACC honors from league coaches and media. BACKGROUND Consensus top-50 national player who was a quarterback most of his high school career ... his performance in practice and during the U.S. Army All-American Bowl contributed to his ranking spike; he had a 54-yard passing touchdown and 50-yard receiving touchdown in the game ... fourth-highest rated signee entering the ACC in 2015 ... No. 17 player and No. 4 wide receiver in the nation and No. 6 player in Florida by Rivals.com ... No. 18 player and No. 32 wide receiver in the nation and No. 9 player in Florida by 247Sports.com ... No. 25 player and No. 2 wide receiver in the nation and No. 9 player in Florida by ESPN ... No. 46 player and No. 7 wide receiver in the nation and No. 9 player in Florida by Scout.com ... second-team All-American by USA Today ... AAAAAAA first-team all-state ... had 1,892 rushing yards and 19 touchdowns along with five passing touchdowns as a senior ... had 1,900 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns as a junior ... had 1,627 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns as a sophomore

in our view

No school has produced better or more receivers over the past decade than Clemson and those close to the program believe that Cain is as gifted as any of his predecessors, which include recent first round picks Mike Williams (Chargers, 2017), Sammy Watkins (Bills, 2015) and DeAndre Hopkins (Texans, 2014). Cain is not as big as some of his predecessors but his lightning quickness and acceleration make him a big play threat whose best football may still lie ahead of him.

strengths

Passes the eye test with an athletic frame, including an above-average musculature among receivers. Simply a different level of athlete than most at his position, showing the rocket-boosters for legs which help him fly past defenders and make it a risk to challenge him in press coverage. Defeats the jam quickly, showing excellent lateral agility and quick, coordinated hands (and an over-arm swim move) to slip free. Accelerates smoothly, possessing the straight-line speed and ability to track the ball over his shoulder to project as a legitimate deep threat in the NFL. Explosive out of his breaks, easily creating separation and is a threat after the catch, as well, showing the lateral agility to elude defenders as well as vision to set up blocks and the courage to run through traffic. Generally reliable hands, including the ability to pluck outside of his frame. Catches the ball with his hands and isn't afraid to leave his feet to make the diving attempt, showing good hand strength and flashing excellent concentration to make the circus grab. Good body control to make difficult receptions with defenders in close proximity and when pinned near the sideline. Offers some trick play potential due to his experience as a quarterback, completing the only pass of his college career (for a 35 yard gain). Shows good awareness and effort as a downfield blocker. Showed greater maturity over his final two seasons after hiccups in his first season on campus. -- Rob Rang 1/10/2018

compares to

Kenny Stills, Dolphins - It was character concerns and not a lack of talent or breathtaking plays at Oklahoma that pushed the 6-1, 195 pound Stills (who clocked a 4.38 at the 2013 Combine) into the fifth round, where the Saints nabbed the speedster. Stills may never develop the all-around game to earn a Pro Bowl nod but he is one of the league's most respected deep threats with 26 touchdowns over five seasons, including a career-high nine scores in 2016.

weaknesses

Still has a ways to go in terms of consistency, dropping too many passes, including some easy ones in which it appears that he is looking to make defenders miss before securing the ball fully. Has a bad habit of needlessly hopping as he catches the ball, with the wasted motion robbing him, at times, of opportunities to create more yardage after the catch. Still a bit raw as a route-runner, too often varying his release and breaks, which could leave NFL quarterbacks frustrated on timing routes. No experience as a kick or punt returner at Clemson and lined up almost exclusively on the outside. Warrants a close look at his character after struggling with maturity early in his college career. Suspended twice (for a total of three games) as a freshman, including being sent home from Miami just two days before Clemson faced Oklahoma in the 2015 Orange Bowl - a suspension that reportedly was due to failing a drug test. -- Rob Rang 1/10/2018

Consensus top-50 national player who was a quarterback most of his high school career

his performance in practice and during the U.S. Army All-American Bowl contributed to his ranking spike; he had a 54-yard passing touchdown and 50-yard receiving touchdown in the game

fourth-highest rated signee entering the ACC in 2015

No. 17 player and No. 4 wide receiver in the nation and No. 6 player in Florida by Rivals.com

No. 18 player and No. 32 wide receiver in the nation and No. 9 player in Florida by 247Sports.com

No. 25 player and No. 2 wide receiver in the nation and No. 9 player in Florida by ESPN

No. 46 player and No. 7 wide receiver in the nation and No. 9 player in Florida by Scout.com

second-team All-American by USA Today

AAAAAAA first-team all-state

had 1,892 rushing yards and 19 touchdowns along with five passing touchdowns as a senior

had 1,900 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns as a junior

had 1,627 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns as a sophomore

coached by Jayson Roberts

recruited by Tony Elliott and Jeff Scott.

Majoring in sports communication

born Aug. 9, 1996.

2017

receiving
REC	YPR	TD	LONG	YDS
58.0	12.7	6.0	61.0	734.0

defensive
TFL	QB HUR	TOT	TD	PD	SACKS	SOLO
0.0	1.0	0.0	0.0	0.0	0.0	0.0

2016

receiving
REC	YPR	TD	LONG	YDS
38.0	19.1	9.0	65.0	724.0

defensive
TFL	QB HUR	TOT	TD	PD	SACKS	SOLO
0.0	0.0	1.0	0.0	0.0	0.0	1.0

2015

passing
ATT	YPA	PCT	YDS	INT	TD	COMPLETIONS
1.0	35.0	1.0	35.0	0.0	0.0	1.0

rushing
YPC	TD	YDS	CAR	LONG
-5.0	0.0	-5.0	1.0	0.0

receiving
REC	YPR	TD	LONG	YDS
34.0	17.1	5.0	67.0	582.0