The Other Death Valley

Clemson University’s football program has long been a powerhouse in college football, producing a lineage of remarkable athletes who have left an indelible mark on the game. From Heisman Trophy candidates to national champions, Clemson’s storied history is filled with players who defined eras, broke records, and elevated the Tigers to prominence. Here, we explore some of the best Clemson football players of all time, focusing on their contributions to the program and their enduring legacies.

Steve Fuller (Quarterback, 1975-1978)

Steve Fuller was a trailblazer for Clemson football, ushering in an era of competitiveness that set the stage for future success. A dual-threat quarterback, Fuller earned ACC Player of the Year honors in both 1977 and 1978, a testament to his consistency and leadership. During his tenure, he led Clemson to a 10-1 record in 1978, including a Gator Bowl victory over Ohio State—a game infamous for Woody Hayes’ punch that ended the legendary coach’s career. Fuller threw for 4,359 yards and 23 touchdowns while adding 2,193 rushing yards and 22 scores on the ground. His versatility made him a nightmare for defenses, and his poise under pressure helped Clemson reclaim its footing as a national contender. Drafted in the first round by the Kansas City Chiefs in 1979, Fuller’s legacy as one of Clemson’s early stars endures.

William “The Refrigerator” Perry (Defensive Tackle, 1981-1984)

Few players in Clemson history have captured the imagination quite like William Perry, affectionately known as “The Refrigerator.” A massive defensive tackle at 6’2” and over 300 pounds, Perry was a force of nature on the interior line. His impact was immediate, earning him First-Team All-American honors in 1983 and helping Clemson secure the 1981 National Championship as a freshman. Perry’s stats—27 sacks and 60 tackles for loss—only hint at his dominance, as his presence often forced opponents to double-team him, freeing up teammates to make plays. Off the field, his larger-than-life personality made him a fan favorite, and his NFL career with the Chicago Bears, including a Super Bowl touchdown, cemented his legend. At Clemson, Perry remains a symbol of the program’s physical, unrelenting style.

Brian Dawkins (Safety, 1992-1995)

Brian Dawkins, nicknamed “Weapon X,” brought an unmatched intensity to Clemson’s secondary. A three-time All-ACC selection, Dawkins redefined the safety position with his blend of speed, hitting power, and instincts. Over his career, he recorded 247 tackles, 11 interceptions, and 15 pass breakups, but his impact went beyond numbers. Dawkins’ ferocious play style intimidated receivers and quarterbacks alike, earning him a reputation as one of the hardest hitters in college football. His leadership helped Clemson to three bowl appearances, and his 1995 season—where he led the team with 6 interceptions—earned him First-Team All-American honors. Dawkins went on to a Hall of Fame NFL career with the Philadelphia Eagles, but his Clemson roots laid the foundation for his greatness.

C.J. Spiller (Running Back, 2006-2009)

C.J. Spiller’s electrifying playmaking ability made him one of the most exciting players in Clemson history. A unanimous All-American in 2009, Spiller dazzled fans with his speed and versatility, finishing his career with 3,547 rushing yards, 1,420 receiving yards, and 51 total touchdowns. His 7,588 all-purpose yards remain an ACC record, showcasing his ability to impact games as a runner, receiver, and return specialist. Spiller’s signature moment came in 2009 when he ran for 233 yards and four touchdowns against Georgia Tech in the ACC Championship Game, clinching Clemson’s first title in nearly two decades. That year, he finished sixth in Heisman Trophy voting and was named ACC Player of the Year. Spiller’s explosiveness transformed Clemson’s offense and made him a first-round NFL draft pick in 2010.

Deshaun Watson (Quarterback, 2014-2016)

Few players have shaped Clemson’s modern era like Deshaun Watson. A two-time Heisman Trophy finalist, Watson led the Tigers to their first national championship in 35 years in 2016, throwing for 420 yards and three touchdowns in an epic 35-31 victory over Alabama. Over three seasons, he amassed 10,163 passing yards, 90 passing touchdowns, 1,934 rushing yards, and 26 rushing scores. Watson’s dual-threat prowess and clutch performances—highlighted by his game-winning touchdown pass with one second left in the 2016 title game—elevated Clemson to elite status. His poise, leadership, and ability to deliver in big moments earned him the Manning Award and Davey O’Brien Award in 2016. Watson’s legacy is not just in the trophies but in transforming Clemson into a perennial contender.

Sammy Watkins (Wide Receiver, 2011-2013)

Sammy Watkins burst onto the scene as a freshman in 2011, hauling in 82 catches for 1,219 yards and 12 touchdowns en route to First-Team All-American honors. His combination of speed, hands, and route-running made him a matchup nightmare. Over three seasons, Watkins racked up 240 receptions, 3,391 yards, and 27 touchdowns, setting Clemson records and helping the Tigers reclaim national relevance. His 227-yard, two-touchdown performance against Ohio State in the 2014 Orange Bowl remains one of the program’s finest moments. Watkins’ explosiveness paved the way for Clemson’s offensive resurgence, and his No. 4 overall selection in the 2014 NFL Draft underscored his elite status.

Trevor Lawrence (Quarterback, 2018-2020)

Trevor Lawrence arrived at Clemson as the nation’s top recruit and left as one of its greatest quarterbacks. In his freshman year, he led Clemson to a 15-0 season and a 2018 National Championship, dismantling Alabama 44-16 with 347 passing yards and three touchdowns. Over three seasons, Lawrence threw for 10,098 yards, 90 touchdowns, and just 17 interceptions, while adding 1,279 rushing yards and 18 scores. His 36-1 record as a starter is a testament to his consistency and dominance. Lawrence’s calm demeanor, pinpoint accuracy, and ability to extend plays made him a generational talent. A two-time ACC Player of the Year and 2020 Heisman runner-up, he was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. Lawrence’s tenure solidified Clemson as a dynasty.

Honorable Mentions

Clemson’s history is too rich to limit to just seven players. Levon Kirkland (linebacker, 1988-1991) was a two-time All-American whose versatility redefined the position. Da’Quan Bowers (defensive end, 2008-2010) won the Bronko Nagurski Trophy in 2010 with 15.5 sacks. Tajh Boyd (quarterback, 2010-2013) set ACC records with 107 passing touchdowns, leading Clemson to its first BCS bowl win. Travis Etienne (running back, 2017-2020), the ACC’s all-time leading rusher with 4,952 yards, powered Clemson’s title runs with his speed and durability.

Conclusion

The best Clemson football players of all time share a common thread: they didn’t just excel individually—they elevated the program. From Fuller’s foundational leadership to Watson and Lawrence’s championship heroics, these athletes embody Clemson’s tradition of toughness, talent, and triumph. Their legacies live on in Death Valley, where orange-clad fans still chant their names, and in the NFL, where many became stars. As Clemson continues to compete at the highest level, these icons remain the gold standard for what it means to be a Tiger.