It’s about that time in the year we take a step back and evaluate which guys are really the difference-makers on their respective squads. It’s no secret that the Tigers have a stacked team and every single player is an integral part in Clemson’s success on the field. However, there are a few guys in particular that have left everything they have on the field every Saturday. Will Shipley, Trenton Simpson, Tyler Davis, and B.T Potter have already been nominated as finalists or semi-finalists for some pretty prestigious awards. Let’s take a look at why these individuals deserve their flowers by the end of 2022
Will Shipley – Paul Hornung Award Finalist
The Paul Hornung Award is given to “the most versatile player in major college football”, and Will Shipley certainly embodies that characteristic. Shipley manages to score almost every game, and he’s had over 60 rushing yards in all but two games this year. Defenses can’t seem to stop him on the run, where he has gotten all of his 13 touchdowns on the year thus far. But he’s also getting it done on the receiving end, averaging 6.3 yards per catch and hauling in 28 receptions. Shipley has been a beast all year, and provides consistent results, allowing Clemson to have such a successful season. He should be a vote on the ballot box come December. They even have a fan vote, so show him some love here.
Trenton Simpson – Butkus Award and LOTT Impact Trophy
For good reason, this guy is up for multiple awards. Trenton Simpson is one of fifteen semi-finalists for the Butkus Award, named to the best collegiate linebacker, and one of nine semi-finalists for the LOTT Impact Trophy, named to those making an impact on and off the field. Simpson has been a monster on D this year, being one of the top guys on the team for solo tackles, is tied for first in forced fumbles, has recorded 2.5 sacks, and is an absolute monster at defending passes as well. Despite battling an injury, we were glad to see him be a part of locking down Miami’s offense last week. There’s no better guy for these two awards.
Tyler Davis – Bednarik Award
Yet another defensive monster, Tyler Davis, is one of twenty semi-finalists for the Bednarik Award for Outstanding Defensive Player of the Year. This 300-pound Senior is a tremendous leader for the Clemson defense, and leaves opponents battered, bruised, and anxious to get back on the bus. Davis has picked up four sacks so far and also recovered a fumble. We’ll miss this guy punishing our opponents next year, and he is all deserving of this award.
B.T. Potter – Lou Groza Place Kicker Award
At the end of this season, we’ll need to check and see if B.T. Potter literally has ice in his veins. The Lou Garza Place Kicker Award has picked its twenty semi-finalists, and there’s no better choice than Potter. He’s gone a perfect 41/41 on extra points, as well as perfect on field goals below 40 yards. A clutch three points on the board is always needed, and when it’s time to tack it on, look no further than this guy.
All of these players have been irreplaceable factors in getting Clemson to the point they’re at today. Who else on this team deserves to be in the running for national awards? Come chat and tell us in Geneva!