WATCH: Wilkins on his Clemson experience

by Tony Crumpton - Assoc. Editor - Thu Dec 28 10:19:20 GMT-04:00 2017

Clemson defensive tackle Christian Wilkins spoke to the media on Thursday morning as he discussed his college experience and some of the improvement of his teammates this season.

(on what has evolved in Alabama’s offense since last year): “A lot of their players individually have made big strides, which makes their whole offense a lot better. Jalen Hurts is as good as ever. He can throw the ball a lot better. You can see the improvement from being a young freshman to now a vetted sophomore. He’s got good backs next to him. They’ve got great depth there, a lot of guys that can hurt you in different ways. They’ve got a strong O-line up front and the skill on the outside is really leading that group.”

(on how it feels playing Alabama three years in a row on such a big stage): “It doesn’t really feel any different. The last two times we played them with obviously a lot at stake. Now you’re more comfortable because you know the personnel, you know your opponent. You have more confidence, too. You’re ready to go, you know what they’re going to do, and you just have to go out there and play.”

(on playing Alabama a third time):“It’s definitely fun, I’m up for it. I came to Clemson to compete at the highest level, and Alabama’s the best so I’m glad we get to play against them.”

(on who Jalen Hurts reminds him of): “He’s like a mix of [Malik] Rosier and Lamar Jackson. He’s really fast and can hurt you with the run. He makes big throws, and he’s one of those bigger, thicker quarterbacks. So, he’s kind of a mix between them, but he’s a different player too.”

(on the feeling of beating them to win the National Championship last year): “Just winning the National Championship, no matter who it’s against, was great. But to beat a team that everybody looks up to as the model program was even better. That being said, they don’t lose to a team two times in a row much, so we’re really going to have to bring it. They’re going to be ready to play against us. They had a year to sit around and think about it and let that loss marinate so I’m sure they’ll come out ready to play.”