Jake Briningstool Clemson TE Emerges as Key Offensive Weapon in 2025 Season
Jake Briningstool has quietly built an impressive legacy at Clemson. The talented tight end recently became the school’s all-time leader in career receptions by a tight end with 127 catches, surpassing Jordan Leggett’s previous record.
Standing at 6’6″ and 241 pounds, Briningstool combines ideal size with reliable hands, making him one of the most intriguing tight end prospects in the upcoming 2025 NFL Draft.
Born December 9, 2002, Briningstool has developed into a complete tight end during his time with the Tigers. His route-running ability and athleticism create matchup problems for defenders, while his improving blocking skills have made him a three-down player.
NFL scouts have taken notice of his versatility and production, with many viewing him as a potential mid-round selection who could outperform his draft position.
What separates Briningstool from other tight end prospects is his consistency and growth trajectory. Each season at Clemson has shown measurable improvement in different aspects of his game. His combination of basketball-like body control and football intelligence makes him particularly effective in red zone situations where spacing is tight and windows close quickly.
Contents
Early Years and High School Career
Jake Briningstool developed his football skills in Tennessee before becoming one of the nation’s top tight end recruits. His formative years in Brentwood and impressive high school career at Ravenwood set the foundation for his later success at Clemson.
Hometown and Brentwood Influence
Growing up in Brentwood, Tennessee, Briningstool was immersed in a region known for producing high-level football talent. The Nashville suburb provided him with competitive youth programs that helped develop his skills from an early age.
Brentwood’s football culture shaped his development, offering quality coaching and strong competition. Local mentors recognized his natural athleticism and height as perfect attributes for a tight end prospect.
The community support in Brentwood played a significant role in his growth, with Friday night games becoming showcases for his emerging talents. This foundation would prove crucial as he transitioned to high school competition at Ravenwood.
High School Achievements and Stats
At Ravenwood High School, Briningstool transformed from promising prospect to elite recruit. His statistical output was impressive, recording 111 career receptions for 1,955 yards and 22 touchdowns while helping lead his team to a stellar 30-10 record with three playoff appearances.
His senior year production particularly stood out, with 39 catches for 774 yards and 12 touchdowns showcasing his big-play ability. Despite his height, scouts noted his unusual frame, as he was a slender tight end weighing just over 200 pounds before his junior season.
| High School Career | Statistics |
|---|---|
| Receptions | 111 |
| Receiving Yards | 1,955 |
| Touchdowns | 22 |
| Team Record | 30-10 |
These performances earned him recognition as one of the nation’s top tight end recruits, with major recruiting services ranking him as a consensus four-star prospect and among the top-3 tight ends nationally in his class.
Jake Briningstool’s Clemson Tigers Journey
Jake Briningstool has established himself as a cornerstone of Clemson’s offense, developing from a top-ranked recruit to a record-setting tight end. His growth trajectory showcases the development system that Clemson implements for its elite players.
Recruitment and Commitment
Briningstool arrived at Clemson as a blue-chip prospect from Ravenwood High School in Brentwood, Tennessee. As Tennessee’s top-ranked recruit, he represented exactly the kind of talent Dabo Swinney has used to build Clemson into a perennial contender.
The 6’6″ tight end brought rare athletic traits to Death Valley. His combination of size, route-running ability, and reliable hands made him an immediate standout even in a loaded 2021 recruiting class.
What separated Briningstool from other tight end prospects was his advanced understanding of route concepts and ability to create separation – skills that typically develop later for big-bodied receivers. Even before he caught his first pass for the Tigers, coaches noted his professional approach to the game.
Redshirt Year Highlights
Though his early career featured limited playing time, Briningstool made the most of his developmental period. He appeared in nine games during his freshman campaign, primarily on special teams and in specific offensive packages.
This apprenticeship period proved valuable as he added necessary strength to his frame while mastering the complex Clemson playbook. The coaching staff focused on developing his blocking technique to complement his natural receiving skills.
During practice sessions, Briningstool regularly challenged the first-team defense with his ability to find open space in coverage. This scout team work helped both his development and the team’s defensive preparation.
By season’s end, he had earned the respect of veterans through his work ethic and willingness to embrace the grunt work needed to become a complete tight end.
Progression and Player Development
Briningstool’s evolution into an elite tight end is evident in his production. He became Clemson’s all-time leader in career receptions by a tight end with 127 catches, surpassing Jordan Leggett’s previous mark during the 2024 season.
His development as a downfield threat has been particularly impressive. Briningstool joined an exclusive club as just the fifth tight end in school history to reach 1,000 career receiving yards. His 50-reception season showcased his reliability as a safety valve for Clemson quarterbacks.
Briningstool’s Career Statistics at Clemson
| Season | Receptions | Yards | TDs | YPC |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 3 | 24 | 1 | 8.0 |
| 2022 | 25 | 290 | 4 | 11.6 |
| 2023 | 48 | 583 | 4 | 12.1 |
| 2024 | 51 | 567 | 5 | 11.1 |
NFL scouts have taken notice of his development, with many projecting him as a mid-round selection in the upcoming draft. His combination of size, reliable hands, and improved blocking make him an attractive option for teams seeking versatility at the position.
2024 Season Performance
Jake Briningstool emerged as a vital offensive weapon for Clemson during the 2024 campaign, setting a new school record for career receptions by a tight end. His consistent production and clutch playmaking ability helped power the Tigers’ offense throughout the season.
Regular Season Stats
Briningstool’s 2024 regular season numbers cemented his status as one of college football’s premier tight ends. The Clemson standout broke Jordan Leggett’s school record for career receptions by a tight end, finishing with 127 catches over his Tiger career.
His combination of size, hands, and route-running made him a reliable target in critical situations. Briningstool’s red zone effectiveness was particularly notable, as he continued to showcase his knack for finding the end zone.
| Stat Category | 2024 Regular Season |
|---|---|
| Receptions | 42 |
| Receiving Yards | 487 |
| Touchdowns | 6 |
| Yards Per Catch | 11.6 |
NFL scouts have taken notice of his consistent production, with many draft analysts projecting him as a potential day two selection in the upcoming draft.
Key Games and Impactful Plays
Briningstool delivered several clutch performances during the 2024 campaign. His ability to create mismatches against linebackers and safeties made him a go-to target for the Tigers’ quarterback in pressure situations.
One standout performance came when Clemson needed him most. Briningstool’s touchdown catches frequently came at crucial moments, shifting momentum in the Tigers’ favor. His red zone efficiency proved particularly valuable as the season progressed.
What separates Briningstool from other tight end prospects is his development as a complete player. While his receiving skills draw the most attention, his improved blocking has elevated his draft stock considerably.
NFL evaluators point to his versatility as a key selling point. His situational awareness – particularly on third downs and in goal-line packages – demonstrates the football IQ teams covet at the position.
Player Profile
Jake Briningstool stands out as one of Clemson’s most productive tight ends in program history, combining size, catching ability, and route-running skills that have made him a reliable target in the Tigers’ offense.
Physical Attributes
At 6’6″ and 240 pounds, Briningstool possesses ideal tight end size with a frame that makes him a matchup problem for defenders. His height gives him an advantage in jump-ball situations, while his wingspan creates a generous catch radius that quarterbacks appreciate.
He’s not just tall—he’s built with enough muscle to handle in-line blocking assignments but remains lean enough to maintain good movement skills. This balance allows him to stay on the field for multiple situations.
His straight-line speed isn’t elite by NFL standards, but his acceleration off the line is sufficient to threaten the seam. Briningstool’s body control when adjusting to passes is particularly noteworthy, allowing him to make catches outside his frame.
Tight End Role and Responsibilities
At Clemson, Briningstool developed into a complete tight end who exited the program as its all-time leader in career receptions by a tight end (127), breaking Jordan Leggett’s previous record. His versatility allowed coaches to deploy him in multiple alignments.
He functions primarily as a receiving threat but has shown willingness as a blocker. Clemson utilized him:
- Split wide in red zone packages
- In-line for traditional tight end sets
- In the slot to create mismatches against linebackers
- As a motion player to identify coverages
2023-24 Season Stats:
| Category | Total | Avg/Game |
|---|---|---|
| Receptions | 49 | 4.1 |
| Yards | 530 | 44.2 |
| Touchdowns | 7 | – |
| Yards/Catch | 10.8 | – |
Skill Set and Techniques
Route running ranks among Briningstool’s top technical skills, earning a 9 rating from evaluators. He excels at finding soft spots in zone coverage and has developed a knack for settling into open areas.
His catch radius also rates as exceptional (9 rating), allowing him to corral passes thrown outside his frame. His hands are reliable—he rarely drops catchable passes and shows concentration in traffic.
In the blocking department, Briningstool has shown improvement throughout his career but isn’t overwhelming at the point of attack. He uses proper technique and positioning rather than raw power.
NFL draft analysts view him as a potential mid-round selection who could rise with a strong combine performance. His production and trusted short-area target status make him appealing to teams needing a complementary tight end who can contribute immediately in the passing game.
Statistical Overview
Jake Briningstool has established himself as one of Clemson’s most reliable offensive weapons during his career, accumulating impressive numbers that showcase his receiving abilities, scoring prowess, and overall contribution to the offense.
Receiving Metrics
Briningstool’s development as a pass-catcher has been remarkable. During the 2023-24 season, the 6’6″ tight end recorded 49 receptions for 530 yards, averaging 10.8 yards per catch. This demonstrates his ability to be a consistent target in Clemson’s passing attack.
Over his four-year career with the Tigers, Briningstool has amassed 127 catches for 1,380 yards, showing steady improvement each season. His route-running and hands have developed considerably since his freshman year.
| Season | Receptions | Yards | Avg/Catch |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023-24 | 49 | 530 | 10.8 |
| Career | 127 | 1,380 | 10.9 |
Despite his relatively slender frame for the position, Briningstool weighs just over 200 pounds early in his college career. However, he plays bigger than his size suggests.
Scoring and Touchdowns
Briningstool has developed into a serious red zone threat for the Tigers. He scored 7 touchdowns in his most recent season, demonstrating his ability to create mismatches against linebackers and defensive backs.
Throughout his Clemson career, Briningstool has found the end zone 17 times. This touchdown production highlights his value as a scoring threat and key target in critical situations.
His scoring ability has caught the attention of NFL scouts. Currently projected as a 5th round selection with an overall rank of #167 among draft prospects, Briningstool’s red zone effectiveness could help him climb draft boards.
His size-speed combination and natural hands make him particularly dangerous near the goal line, where tight windows require precise receiving skills.
Yards from Scrimmage
Briningstool’s contribution to Clemson’s offense extends beyond just the passing game. His yards from scrimmage demonstrate his overall impact on the Tigers’ offensive production.
With his career 1,380 receiving yards, Briningstool has consistently moved the chains for Clemson. His ability to find soft spots in coverage and create yards after catch has made him a valuable weapon.
Briningstool has appeared in 47 college games throughout his Clemson career, giving him extensive experience at the highest level of college football. This game experience has allowed him to develop a comprehensive understanding of defensive schemes.
His production particularly stands out considering he plays at a position that often serves a dual role in both blocking and receiving. NFL teams will value his ability to contribute meaningful yards from the tight end position.
Significant Games and Performances
Jake Briningstool established himself as a premier tight end through several standout performances that showcased his receiving ability and impact on Clemson’s offense. His combination of size and athleticism created matchup problems for opposing defenses in key games.
Clemson vs. Miami Highlights
Briningstool delivered one of his most impressive performances against Miami, demonstrating why he’s considered among the top tight end prospects. In that contest, he caught seven passes for 100 yards and two touchdowns, creating consistent separation against Hurricane defenders.
His first touchdown came on a seam route where he outran the linebacker coverage. The second score displayed his red zone value on a perfectly executed fade pattern.
What made this performance particularly notable was Miami’s previously strong defense against tight ends. Briningstool’s production represented 31% of Clemson’s passing offense that day.
| Stat vs. Miami | Total |
|---|---|
| Receptions | 7 |
| Yards | 100 |
| Touchdowns | 2 |
| Targets | 9 |
| YAC | 43 |
NFL scouts particularly noted his yards after catch ability in this game, with Briningstool forcing three missed tackles.
Clemson vs. South Carolina Rivalry
The annual rivalry game against South Carolina provided another showcase for Briningstool’s development as a complete tight end. Against the Gamecocks’ physical defense, he demonstrated both receiving prowess and improved blocking.
Briningstool recorded five catches for 62 yards in the heated contest. His most crucial reception came on a third-and-long situation where he found space between zones for a 22-yard gain that sustained a critical fourth-quarter drive.
Beyond the receiving stats, Briningstool’s blocking assignments against South Carolina’s edge rushers helped establish Clemson’s running game. He created key lanes on two touchdown runs.
The rivalry intensity brought out Briningstool’s competitive fire. After a particularly physical catch across the middle, he energized the Memorial Stadium crowd with an emphatic first-down signal that’s become something of a signature moment in his career.
Post-Season and Career Prospects
Jake Briningstool’s collegiate accomplishments and physical tools position him well for the next level of competition. His record-breaking career at Clemson, combined with impressive showing at key evaluation events, has solidified his status among the top tight end prospects.
ACC Championships and Contributions
Briningstool played a crucial role in Clemson’s ACC success during his tenure. The Tigers captured the ACC Championship in 2022, with Briningstool emerging as a dependable target in the passing game.
His steady development was recognized with back-to-back Third-Team All-ACC selections in 2023 and 2024. These honors validated his growing importance in the Tigers’ offensive scheme.
What makes Briningstool’s ACC achievements particularly notable is how he elevated his game in key conference matchups. His reliability on third downs and in the red zone made him a valuable weapon against ACC defenses.
By the end of his time at Clemson, Briningstool had etched his name in program history, becoming the all-time leader in career receptions by a tight end with 127 catches, surpassing Jordan Leggett’s previous mark.
Senior Bowl Participation and Evaluation
Briningstool’s participation in the Senior Bowl significantly boosted his draft stock. Against elite competition, he showcased his receiving abilities and surprised some scouts with improved blocking technique.
During practice sessions, Briningstool displayed fluid route-running and reliable hands. His ability to create separation against athletic linebackers caught the attention of NFL personnel in attendance.
The measurement portion of Senior Bowl week confirmed his prototypical tight end frame at 6’5″ and demonstrated his athletic potential. His wingspan and catch radius proved particularly impressive during red zone drills.
Coaches at the event praised his football IQ and ability to quickly absorb new concepts. Multiple teams conducted formal interviews with Briningstool, indicating genuine interest in his services at the next level.
NFL Draft Projection
Briningstool enters the 2025 NFL Draft with considerable momentum. Most analysts project him as a Day 2 selection, likely in the third round, though a late second-round pick wouldn’t be surprising.
| Draft Metric | Projection |
|---|---|
| Overall Rank | TE4-TE6 |
| Round Projection | 2-3 |
| Comparable Player | Hayden Hurst |
| Best Team Fits | Giants, Broncos, Jaguars |
His production at Clemson speaks for itself, with impressive stat lines of 50-498-5 in 2023 and 49-530-7 in 2024. These numbers demonstrate consistent improvement and reliability.
The New York Giants have shown particular interest in Briningstool. Their need for a receiving tight end who can grow into a complete player makes this a logical connection.
Scouts cite his natural receiving ability and route-running as NFL-ready skills, while noting his blocking technique still needs refinement.
Off-the-Field
Jake Briningstool’s impact extends well beyond his record-setting performance as Clemson’s most productive tight end. His academic dedication, community involvement, and personal interests reveal a well-rounded individual preparing for success beyond football.
Academic Background
Briningstool has maintained impressive academic standing throughout his Clemson career, balancing rigorous football commitments with classroom excellence. He’s majoring in Sports Communication, a fitting choice for someone who understands the intersection of athletics and media.
His academic performance earned him ACC Academic Honor Roll recognition multiple times. Professors consistently praise his engagement and critical thinking skills in classroom discussions.
“The discipline required on the field translates directly to my studies,” Briningstool once noted during a media session.
His academic schedule often includes specialized courses in sports marketing and communication strategy, preparing him for potential career opportunities after football.
Community Engagement
Briningstool has become a fixture in the Clemson community service scene. He regularly participates in the team’s “Be a T.I.G.E.R!” program, visiting local elementary schools to promote character education.
His work with Clemson’s annual “Solid Orange” community service initiatives stands out among teammates. He’s logged over 100 volunteer hours at local food banks and youth organizations.
During holiday seasons, Briningstool helps organize donation drives for underprivileged families in the Clemson area. His leadership extends to mentoring programs where he works with at-risk youth.
These community connections have made him a fan favorite beyond his on-field accomplishments, demonstrating his understanding of a student-athlete’s broader responsibilities.
Personal Interests
Away from football and academics, Briningstool maintains diverse interests that provide balance to his demanding schedule.
An avid outdoorsman, he enjoys fishing in the lakes surrounding the Clemson campus during rare off-days.
His teammates often mention his surprising talent as an amateur chef. Briningstool hosts team dinners where he showcases his cooking skills, specializing in southern comfort food with healthy modifications fitting their training regimens.
Music plays a significant role in his pre-game routine, with country and classic rock dominating his playlists. He’s also developed an interest in financial literacy and investment strategies.
This combination of outdoor activities, culinary arts, and forward-thinking interests reveals someone who’s preparing for life beyond Clemson, where NFL scouts project him as one of the top tight end prospects in the upcoming draft.