From high school ALL-USA to NFL Draft: Clemson wide receiver Charone Peake

As the NFL draft nears, USA TODAY High School Sports will look back at the high school careers and draft prospects for former American Family Insurance ALL-USA selections. Today’s installment features Clemson wide receiver Charone Peake.

IN THIS SERIES

Ole Miss wide receiver Laquon Treadwell

Notre Dame linebacker Jaylon Smith

Southern California quarterback Cody Kessler

Southern California safety/linebacker Su’a Cravens

Dorman High School’s Charone Peake runs past a defender on his way to score a touchdown  in 2010 (Photo: John Byrum, Spartanburg Herald-Journal via Associated Press)

Position: Wide receiver

High school: Dorman (Roebuck, S.C.)

ALL-USA history: Named to the American Family Insurance second team in 2010. As a senior, was a finalist for Mr. Football in South Carolina and had 65 receptions for 1,053 yards and nine touchdowns in helping Dorman to the state title game. Also had 18 carries for 120 yards.

College: Clemson

Height, weight: 6-3, 215 pounds

Clemson receiver Charone Peake runs a drill at the Scouting Combine (Darron Cummings, Associated Press)

By the numbers: Played behind DeAndre Hopkins, Martavis Bryant, and Sammy Watkins early in his career and then was limited by injuries in 2013 and 2014 before getting an opportunity last fall. Ran a 4.37 seconds in the 40 at Clemson’s Pro Day.

Draft positives: Good length; can shield defenders from the ball and outreach anyone. Strong combination of ball skills and physical style of play. Reliable in traffic and downfield. Pure hands catcher. Sneaky quickness as an underneath route runner. Can run himself open with savvy movement and fast reactions. Versatile threat.

Draft negatives: Only one year of steady playing time and offensive contributions. Lacks the extra gear downfield to scare anyone deep. Doesn’t do much after the catch. Lacks the ideal burst to top speed.

Projection: Rounds 2/3

STATISTICS AT CLEMSON

Draft analysis by Dan Shonka. Ourlads.com