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In Pullman, Washington, it's rare to encounter someone sporting a national championship ring. Washington State University wide receiver Darrius Clemons may be the only college football player in town with such a prized possession, which is why he keeps its whereabouts under wraps.
"I think I've worn it in public once since I've gotten it," Clemons admitted. "It is in Pullman somewhere, I won't get too specific (on its location)."
Clemons' path to the Cougars has been lengthy and, at times, challenging. Once the top prospect out of Oregon in the 2022 class, he initially landed at the University of Michigan, where he contributed to the Wolverines' College Football Playoff national championship run in the 2023 season.
Following that memorable campaign, Clemons transferred closer to home, joining Oregon State for the 2024 season. However, he sat out the subsequent year after suffering a torn Achilles injury during preseason camp.
Now, he is at WSU as a redshirt senior under first-year head coach Kirby Moore, with former Oregon State coach Trent Bray serving as the Cougars' defensive coordinator. When top returning receiver Tony Freeman went down with a serious knee injury in the season opener against the Apple Cup, Clemons became one of the primary targets the WSU passing offense would rely on to move the chains.
At 6-foot-3 and 217 pounds, the big-framed outside receiver is tied for the team lead with Daniel Blood, boasting 10 receptions for 100 yards. He is the only pass catcher with three or more catches in each game against the Huskies, Kansas State, and Duquesne.
"When Caden (Pinnick) throws me the ball," Clemons said, "he expects me to make a play."
What Clemons uniquely brings to the WSU receivers room is a deeply thoughtful perspective on football and a burning desire to expand his knowledge base. Throughout his career, he has had four different position coaches, including Derek Sage, who is in his second stint with the Cougars after previously coaching under the late Mike Leach.
Such changes might frustrate some players, but not Clemons, who enjoys hearing what different coaches have to offer. "There are so many different ways to skin a cat," Clemons said. "Guys say it in different ways. It hits people's brains in different ways. I definitely welcome the knowledge and opportunity to learn from different people."
Where does that thirst for knowledge come from? "Ever since I was a little kid, I've always asked a ton of questions - about anything - because I like learning new stuff," Clemons said. "It drove my mom (Christa) crazy. But my dad (Larry) is really, really similar. He asks a ton of questions, too."
That same inquisitive mindset guided Clemons through what he calls "the worst thing that ever happened to me in my life" during OSU training camp: rupturing his Achilles in August of 2025. After surgery, Clemons admitted the recovery and rehabilitation process was painfully arduous. He said he couldn't put his foot in the ground for the first six weeks.
"To shower, I would have to have a chair," he said. "It was humiliating being a grown man and not being able to wash yourself normally." Weeks were filled with three-steps-forward, two-steps-backward progress, he said. "I felt like my old self like five different times," Clemons said. "When you are out for so long, and you just get certain abilities back, you feel like you've climbed over the mountain. There were a lot of checkpoints along the way."
Now healthy, he is fully ready to make this season his best one yet. "I just try and do my part," Clemons said. "Each day in practice, I put my best foot forward - and Saturday in games."
Key Analysis
Clemons' journey from national champion at Michigan to overcoming a devastating injury at Oregon State and now emerging as a leader at Washington State underscores his resilience and adaptability. His intellectual approach to the game, coupled with his physical attributes, makes him a valuable asset for the Cougars as they navigate the season without their top returning receiver.