The Clemson Tigers will be without star receiver Sammy Watkins for the first two games of the regular season due to drug-related issues.

Ryan Wood of the Opelika-Auburn News tweeted news of the suspension on Friday.

Clemson receiver Sammy Watkins will be suspended in the season's first two games, sidelining him against #Auburn, according to CUTigers.

— Ryan Wood (@AUBlog) August 3, 2012

Watkins was suspended after being charged with possession of a controlled substance and for possession of marijuana, according to Roy Philpott of CUTigers.com.

The sophomore receiver is coming off an excellent freshman season in which he was named ACC Freshman of the Year and was named this year's ACC Preseason Player of the Year. 

It is a big loss for the Tigers because of his production on the field. He had over 1,200 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns in his first season with the team.

The Tigers will not only miss him on offense, but they will miss his returning skills. Watkins returned punts and kickoffs, but was most effective on kickoff duty. He returned 33 kickoffs for 826 yards and one touchdown, according to ESPN.com.

Watkins is known for his versatility and playmaking abilities. DeAndre Hopkins, who had 978 receiving yards and five touchdowns last year, will need to step for the Tigers in their first two games.

A formal announcement from the university will be made later Friday evening, according to Philpott. 

Clemson opens the season in Atlanta against Auburn and then returns home to host Ball State.