2022 NFL Draft: Justyn Ross catches first TD since spinal surgery

2022 NFL Draft prospect Justyn Ross of the Clemson Tigers caught his first touchdown pass since he had spinal surgery in June 2020.

Once considered a future WR1 type of prospect, Clemson wide receiver Justyn Ross had his NFL future put into serious question due to a congenital fusion issue in his spine. When healthy, there’s no question that the 6-foot-4 Ross should still be considered a first-round prospect in the 2022 NFL Draft, even though medicals will need to be examined thoroughly.

Making his return to the field in 2021 for the first time since surgery in June of 2020, Ross got the chance to go up against a very tough Georgia defense as Clemson dropped their season opener in week one.

In week two, Ross finally got back into the end zone, scoring his first touchdown since December of 2019.

It was a great sight to see.

Clemson is absolutely drubbing South Carolina State 35-0 in the first half and Ross is the TIgers’ leading receiver with three receptions for 52 yards including this touchdown. The big-play threat is back, and this game will only serve as a confidence booster for him.

At one point, there were legitimate questions about whether or not Ross would actually ever play football again. He has obviously answered those questions in a big way after getting medical clearance and not only catching his first touchdown since 2019, but also catching the first touchdown pass thrown by a future NFL Draft prospect to watch, DJ Uiagalelei, of the season.

Justyn Ross has some AJ Green vibes to him with his big-play ability as well as his length and speed at the position.

Looking ahead to the 2022 NFL Draft, the story of Justyn Ross will certainly be in focus as one of the most inspirational.

Through his first two seasons at Clemson, he appeared to be like many of his predecessors with the Tigers — on a fast track to the NFL.

He had 1,000 yards receiving on just 46 receptions in his first season on campus with nine touchdowns. He followed that up with another 66 receptions and eight touchdowns as a sophomore.

After missing the 2020 season entirely, Justyn Ross is really just getting started again, and he should only continue to get better as his chemistry with DJ Uiagalelei continues to improve.

It’s great to see a guy who should be playing on Sundays in the near future back out there making plays and celebrating touchdowns. The 2022 NFL Draft is still a good ways away, but Justyn Ross is back in the first-round conversation.