Clemson's "Slash" named to Paul Hornung watch list |
Clemson, S.C.—Clemson defensive tackle Christian Wilkins has been named to the Paul Hornung Award Watch List for 2017. The junior from Springfield, Mass. is one of just 10 defensive players on the Watch List and one of just three players listed who saw time on offense and defense last year.
The Hornung Award is presented each year to the player who is regarded as the top all-purpose player in the nation. It is named after former Notre Dame Heisman Trophy winner Paul Hornung, who was known for his all-around abilities at the college and professional level. Wilkins was a first-team All-American defensive end and finalist for the Nagurski Award last year when he helped the Tigers to the National Championship. He had 56 tackles, including a team best 13 tackles for loss and 10 passes broken up. His 10 pass deflections were a record for a Clemson defensive lineman and most among defensive linemen nationally last year. Offensively, Wilkins caught a touchdown pass, had a 10-yard run and was a lead blocker along with fellow lineman Dexter Lawrence in many short yardage situations. He also caught a 31-yard pass in the Orange Bowl against Oklahoma as a freshman in 2015. Wilkins has also been named to the preseason watch lists for the Lott (top defensive player) Trophy, the Outland Trophy (top interior lineman) and the Bednarik (top defensive player) awards. He is ranked as the No. 8 player in the nation by ESPN entering the 2017 season. 2017 Watch List Selections: Jaire, Alexander, Louisville Kalen Ballage, Arizona State Braxton Berrios, Miami Evan Berry, Tennessee Antonio Callaway, Florida Parris Campbell, Ohio State Andrew Celis, Nevada Jared Cornelius, Arkansas Nacarius Fant, WKU Minkah Fitzpatrick, Alabama George Frazier, Colorado LaQuivonte Gonzalez, Kansas Janarion Grant, Rutgers Derrius Guice, LSU Quadree Henderson, Pitt Derwin James, Florida State Richie James, Middle Tennessee D'Ernest Johnson, USF Kerryon Johnson, Auburn Xaiver Johnson, South Alabama Christian Kirk, Texas A&M Keith Kirkwood, Temple DJ Moore, Maryland Jamal Morrow, Washington State Charles Nelson Oregon Rashaad Penny, San Diego State Dante Pettis, Washington Darius Phillips, Western Michigan Tony Pollard, Memphis De'Mornay Pierson-El, Nebraska Byron Pringle, Kansas State Trever Ryen, Iowa State Deebo Samuel, South Carolina Jaylen Samuels, NC State Jeff Smith, Boston College Allenzae Staggers, Southern Mississippi Greg Stroman, Virginia Tech Blaise Taylor, Arkansas State Kavontae Turpin, TCU Tre Watson, California Braeden West, SMU Jordan Whitehead, Pitt Christian Wilkins, Clemson Devonte Williams, Indiana Cedrick Wilson, Boise State Shaun Wilson, Duke
Unlock premium boards and exclusive features (e.g. ad-free) by upgrading your account today.
Upgrade Now