Asti: Hudson Clement Will Remain Garrett Greene’s Top Target Despite Receiver Depth

It may not matter because Garrett Greene will spread the ball around, but Hudson Clement is WVU’s WR1 to start the season. Greene has even more weapons to work with this season, but all signs still point to Clement having a big year.

Being the incumbent top threat and having an established connection with Greene from last season gives Clement the edge. As WVU wide receivers coach Bilal Marshall said after a fall camp practice, the fact Clement wasn’t even on scholarship at this point last year doesn’t matter now.

Traylon Ray will become more of a threat in his sophomore season, veteran transfer additions Jaden Bray and Justin Robinson will make the offense even more dangerous, especially in the red zone.

Preston Fox could take his game to another level while defenses are focused on the other weapons on offense. This should allow him to continue to be a dynamic force on the inside. Rodney Gallagher may also garner some opportunities, granted WVU’s depth at receiver has led to the strategy to give him time on defense at nickel in an effort to find where he can have a true impact.

However, and much like what transpired as the 2023 season progressed, Greene’s first go-to guy will be Clement. When Greene needs someone he can count on late in games, he will look for Clement. The Martinsburg, W.Va. native will be his favorite and most trusted target.

Clement’s emergence was one of the most surprising stories during the 2023 season, earning a scholarship after a breakout performance against Duquesne and then establishing himself as one of Garrett Greene’s most trusted targets.

Nothing may top 2023 as far as a memorable season, but Neal Brown believes Hudson Clement hasn’t come close to reaching his full potential. Brown even went as far as saying no skilled player has had a better offseason than Hudson Clement.

Of course, Brown is talking about Clement getting his body in exceptional shape and being physically at a completely different level from where he was one year ago. Brown’s comments about Clement’s physique will only further intensify the expectations for him in 2024.

In fact, the former walk-on was ranked as one of the highest graded freshman wide receivers from 2023 by PFF at the end of January. He was awarded a grade of 78.3, putting just over Kansas State’s Jayce Brown for the top spot out of the Big 12.

Clement finished the season with 22 catches for 480 yards and four touchdowns. Clement ended his memorable year by making five receptions for 89 yards in the Duke’s Mayo Bowl victory over North Carolina.

In addition to being ranked as one of the best freshman at his position, PFF also made Clement their highest graded freshman wide receiver against press coverage.

With several more years of eligibility remaining and now a place on the West Virginia roster secured, there’s no telling what type of season Clement could have in 2024 as an encore, although it will be tough to beat 2023 in terms of a storybook tale fans will remember for years to come.

For a related story, WV Sports Now broke down each WVU football game for the 2024 season.

Who, What and When of the 2024 WVU Football Schedule