Clemson has a 310-pound lineman who can sack QBs, block kicks, run the ball, and catch
All Christian Wilkins does is rack up numbers in all three phases.
You’d think three sacks and four pass breakups in the first six games of the season would be enough stats for a sophomore defensive lineman, but Clemson’s Christian Wilkins disagrees.
Here he is taking a direct snap for the first down on a fake punt against NC State:
On a team that includes Heisman contender Deshaun Watson and star weapons like Mike Williams, having one more efficient attacker in the mix isn’t quite fair.
Later in the game, he also blocked a field goal that would’ve given the Wolfpack a second half lead, simply by bulldozing an overwhelmed offensive lineman:
On a team that includes Heisman contender Deshaun Watson and star weapons like Mike Williams, having one more efficient attacker in the mix isn’t quite fair.
Earlier this year, Wilkins recorded a touchdown catch that turned out to be pretty crucial in a close game against Troy ...
... and last year in the Playoff, the big man hauled in a fake punt pass that extended a drive against Oklahoma.
Clemson’s wide receivers long ago accepted him as one of their own, and now he’s just adding to his legend.
Wilkins is happy to line up wherever he’s needed, whether it’s offense, defense, or special teams:
In last week’s win at Auburn, Wilkins and fellow defensive lineman Dexter Lawrence – a tandem that tips the scales at a combined 650 pounds – lined up in the backfield in front of Wayne Gallman, who strolled in for an easy score.
They lined up in similar fashion again Saturday, but this time the ball went to Wilkins, via quarterback Deshaun Watson, of course.
“I was just doing something I’ve done forever – catching the football,” said Wilkins who caught two touchdown passes as a tight end in high school. “So I wasn’t nervous at all. I felt very comfortable.”
