Football in Clemson has had many great players. These players have contributed to the team’s success and have become legends in college football. Let’s go through the top 12 Clemson Tiger footballers to have ever played.
Deshaun Watson (2014-2016)
Deshaun Watson is one of the most famous quarterbacks who played for Clemson. He led them to their first national championship in more than three decades, which occurred in 2016. What made Watson’s name was his ability to throw incredibly well as well as remain calm even under pressure. During his time at Clemson, he threw for over ten thousand yards and ninety touchdowns making him one of the most successful quarterbacks ever in college football history.
Why He’s Great: With his leadership qualities on field, Watson put Clemson back on a national map as a football giant again. His ability to perform when it mattered most endeared him to fans and turned him into a legend at Clemens.
Trevor Lawrence (2018-2020)
Trevor Lawrence is another quarterback who had a major impact for Clemson. As a freshman, he started and led them to winning the National Title in 2018 against Alabama Nick Saban coached a side which was highly thought of as unbeatable during that season; not so much by Trevor Lawrence.. It was his strong arm combined With quick reads and athleticism that made him such an incredible player throughout his career with The Tigers like Watson did throwing for above ten thousand yards plus ninety touchdowns all this happened over four years.
Why He’s Great: At such a tender age Lawrence had achieved unimaginable heights due to his prowess on the pitch. His skills also helped Clemens get out of some tough situations thus ranking among all time greatest quarterbacks of all times at Clemens.
Travis Etienne (2017-2020)
Travis Etienne is the leading all-time rusher in Clemson history. He was known for his quickness, agility and ability to break tackles. Over four years at Clemson, Etienne ran for almost five thousand yards and scored seven touchdowns. It was this running back who played a key role in their national championship campaign of 2018.
Why He’s Great: Clemson relied heavily on Etienne for offense because he consistently produced points. His totals may never be eclipsed at Clemson.
William Perry (1981-1984)
William Perry, also called “The Refrigerator” was an unstoppable force along the defensive line at Clemson University. Opposing teams found it nearly impossible to block him owing to his size and strength which were his main strengths as a player. Equally important is that Perry played an instrumental role on the team that won the 1981 National Championship.
Why He’s Great: Perry remains one of the greatest football players ever associated with Clemson Tigers especially when it comes to defense since he brought down opposing teams’ offenses more than anyone there.
DeAndre Hopkins (2010-2012)
When you think about wide receivers who have ever played for Clemson, one cannot fail to mention DeAndre Hopkins . What made him popular were the crazy catches he made and how he could completely change the game with a single play .Just like other top players in this list, Hopkins amassed over two hundred receptions of more than three thousand yards and converted twenty seven touchdowns during his tenure in Clemens
Why He’s Great: At Clemens, Hopkins was often seen as a playmaker due to his prowess on the field; thus guiding upcoming wide-receivers looking forward to having great careers at Clemens.
Terry Kinard (1978-1982)
Clemson had a good safety man by the name Terry Kinard. It was well understood that he had good hands but also knew how to get interceptions even under high pressure. He is Clemson’s all-time leader in career interceptions with seventeen.
Why He’s Great: Reading the game well combined with vital plays making abilities made him one of Clemson’s most accomplished defenders ever; thus holding seventeen interception records at Clemson.
C.J. Spiller (2006-2009)
C.J. Spiller was one of the most versatile football players in Clemson history; a runner, receiver, and kick returner with incredible speed and agility to run all the way back for touchdowns. He left Clemson with over 3,500 yards rushing and more than 1,300 receiving yards.
Why He’s Great: At every touch he made, the combination of his versatility and speed always threatened opponents with a chance for a touchdown. This was why he was loved by everyone who watched him play.
Brian Dawkins (1992-1995)
Brian Dawkins was a hard-hitting safety known for his leadership both on and off the field at Clemson University. In the early 90s, he played a key role in the Clemson defense; then later had an NFL career that landed him in the Hall of Fame.
Why He’s Great: His passion for playing combined with his intensity made him into an influential leader at Clemson University. Thus he is one of the best players to ever wear a Tigers uniform at college or pro level.
Sammy Watkins (2011-2013)
Another star receiver that attended Clemson is Sammy Watkins. He had great hands as well as being very fast and making big plays when they counted. Watkins concluded his time at Clemson with over 3,300 yards receiving and 27 touchdowns scored.
Why He’s Great: At Clemson we knew Sammy Watkins as one player who could make anything happen during any game because of his exciting ability to make huge plays on offense or special teams kick returns. Consequently, this raised CU Football profile
Jeff Davis (1978-1981)
Jeff Davis was called “The Judge” by his fellow teammates; he played linebacker extremely well for Clemson University during those years too when they began returning to national prominence under Danny Ford’s coaching staff . His MVP performance in the Orange Bowl of 1981 helped Clemson get their first national title.
Why He’s Great: Without Davis’ leadership, and defensive skills, Clemson could not have achieved what they did in the early 80s. In other words, he is a legend at Clemson because of what he contributed to the game.
Bennie Cunningham (1973-1975)
Bennie Cunningham was the best tight end ever produced by Clemson University. His size, strength and great hands characterize his play as a receiver. A two time all American, Benny played an indispensable role on offense for Clemson.
Why He’s Great: As a tight end who dominated games for CU, Bennie Cunningham was invaluable to the Tigers during his collegiate career. This standard still holds today for any future CURES
Michael Dean Perry (1984-1987)
Michael Dean Perry was another dominant Tiger defensive lineman like his more famous brother William before him in college football at Clemson University when they were a force to be reckoned with defensively on gridiron turf . Known for being able to sack quarterbacks and make huge plays on defense Perry ended his career at Clemson with 61 tackles for loss which is still a record .
Why He’s Great: Perry was one of the greatest defenders that ever put on a Tigers uniform. This shows how good he used to be while playing at Clemson University.
Conclusion
Over the years there have been many great players in Tigerland; these twelve are among them who elevated our program into one of the top programs in college football today. They epitomize everything it means to be legendary player at Clemson because of their skillset, character and sacrifices made throughout their lives hence they will forever remain unforgettable characters within Roy Busch Memorial Stadium.; From quarterbacks leading teams to national championships or defenders making game changing plays—these are some of the best that this university has offered!
FAQs
Who is the best football player ever of the Clemson tigers?
Deshaun Watson has been seen as Clemson’s greatest player due to his leadership in winning the 2016 national championship and setting career records.
How many national championships has the Clemson football team won?
The Clemson football program has won three national titles: 1981, 2016, and 2018.
Who currently holds the record for most rushing yards in Clemson history?
Travis Etienne leads all Tigers with nearly five thousand rushing yards.
Which former Tiger was known as “The Refrigerator”?
William Perry was called “The Refrigerator” by many during his days on the defensive front line in the eighties.
What position did Trevor Lawrence play at Clemson?
Trevor Lawrence was a quarterback who led Clemson to a national championship in 2018 between 2018 and 2020
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