Dec 5, 2015; Charlotte, NC, USA; Clemson Tigers wide receiver Deon Cain (8) catches a pass during the second quarter against the North Carolina Tar Heels in the ACC football championship game at Bank of America Stadium. Clemson defeated North Carolina 45-37. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports
Three Clemson players have been suspended reportedly for failing a drug test and will not participate in the Tigers’ College Football Playoff semifinal against Oklahoma in the Orange Bowl on Thursday.
According to multiple reports, freshman wide receiver Deon Cain, senior kicker Ammon Lakip and junior tight end Jay Jay McCullough have been sent home.
Coach Dabo Swinney is expected to discuss the suspensions during a Wednesday morning news conference in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
The most significant loss is Cain, the Tigers’ second-leading receiver with 34 catches for 582 yards and five receptions. Cain had emerged as quarterback Deshaun Watson’s favorite deep threat.
Senior wideout Charone Peake is expected to step into the lineup in place of Cain. Peake recorded similar numbers with 40 catches for 563 yards and five touchdowns.
Lakip’s loss also is somewhat significant considering the Tigers’ inconsistency covering kickoffs.
Lakip was expected to handle kickoffs and extra points. He already had lost his starting job before the season and was suspended for three games after he was charged with cocaine possession.
Field-goal kicker Greg Heugel will replace Lakip but does not have as powerful a leg as Lakip, according to reports.
McCullough, a reserve tight end, saw little action this season and did not have a reception.
The players’ status to play in the national title game is uncertain. Clemson would have to beat Oklahoma to advance to that game.
