Clemson Tigers Throwback Thursday: Quotes from past Tiger articles

It’s Throwback Thursday. A perfect time to share quotes from some of our favorite people and favorite Clemson sports articles from the past. 

As all of us patiently wait for kickoff in nine days, let’s check out a few notable quotes from good people who help us appreciate Clemson sports.

"“No, he has not, and I’m really surprised by it. I was so ready to give my ‘why staying in school’ is so important speech.”"

Camillia Stewart, the mother of sophomore receiver Tee Higgins, on whether her son has experienced homesickness since leaving Oak Ridge, TN for Clemson, SC.

"“I see nothing but greatness.”"

In 2015, Nealon Greene gave his assessment of sophomore Deshaun Watson. Greene started six games as a freshmen and is only behind Tajh Boyd in all-time snaps for a Clemson quarterback. He also had a successful CFL career, so he knows a little something about the quarterback position.

"“….Honestly, I probably could have been a pretty good offensive lineman, but I always told people that I was too talented to play down the line of scrimmage.”"

Levon Kirkland played linebacker for most of his pro career north of 260 pounds and reached a maximum weight of 290. His weight and height(6’1) would normally suggest a move to defensive end or even tackle but as he said, he was ‘too talented’ for that. I guess he was ‘right.’ Because the two-time Pittsburgh Steelers Pro Bowler had a very productive 10-year career and at one point, missed only four starts in eight consecutive years.

"“I’m an assist guy, every record that I broke was for an assist. All I’ve ever been good at is helping others, equipping others, and setting them up to be the best that they can be.”"

Grayson Marshall is the all-time assists leader at Clemson, 6th in the ACC and 22nd in the NCAA. Today, Marshall is an author and motivational speaker.

"“A bunch of them will regret it because he’s going to burn a bunch of them.”"

Socastee(SC) head football coach Doug Illing talking about Hunter Renfrow’s recruitment. Circa, 2015.

"“If you want to come to Clemson to get in trouble, don’t come to school there. And he repeated it.”"

Rusty Phelps, Jennings High(LA) head football coach, repeating what Dabo Swinney said to running back Travis Etienne in his office.

"“………..I am a little apprehensive as to how I would be received by the general public, but I feel as if enough time has passed to where not many people would recognize me anyway.”"

In 2016, Terrence Oglesby was a little leery of returning to the Clemson campus, because he received disturbing messages from fans after leaving early to pursue a pro basketball career. Oglesby didn’t just return in 2017. He became a student manager for the basketball team, did a few radio broadcast, received his degree in May 2018 and helped initiate the issuance of a posthumous degree to his friend and former teammate Demontez Stitt. Stitt, 27, died suddenly on July 12, 2016.

"“You have to keep pushing, praying and believing that everything is going to be alright. Life is more than just sports.”"

Before Jonathan “Tig” Willard began his career as a pit crew member for the Chip Ganassi Racing team, he stepped away from pro football to think about his life.

"“I am honored to be an adopted Clemson fan, and I hope y’all whoop Bama on Monday!! I’m happy to support another orange blooded team for the big game! GO TIGERS!!”"

Days before the 2016 rematch between Clemson and Alabama, Taylor Nelson’s husband Josh took a baby wipe and wiped away “Roll Tide” from the back of a dusty semi-truck. Surprisingly, the Knoxville natives and Tennessee Vols fans were mistaken for Clemson fans by ESPN. Of course, Clemson did defeat Alabama 35-31, and the Nelson’s were yelling “Go Tigers” and not “SEC” the entire game.

"“We always pick at him and say. You could’ve dropped that pass last year, and you wouldn’t have to worry about any of this stuff.”"

Tim Renfrow, the father of Hunter Renfrow, when asked how the naturally quiet Hunter is dealing with all the attention from the National Championship catch.

"“I tell them you have to balance it. You have to want to be successful on the court as much as you want to be in the classroom.”"

Four time All-ACC Academic Honoree Shawan Robinson, the head coach at Panther Creek High(Cary, NC) giving advice to his team.

"“I still remember when I walked onto the Clemson football team, my mom marched over to JL Mann to the head football coach’s office with the newspaper clipping.”"

Actor Matthew Knowles‘ mom thought her son should’ve been on the high school football team and pleaded with the coach to no avail. So after Knowles made the Clemson team, she decided to pay his old coach a visit.

"“It kind of just happened….it happened so fast. I was at the right place at the right time. I didn’t know how it happened until after the game and someone showed me the replay. But when it happened, I just seen the ball…..it was my time to shine. When I got to the sideline, Gaines congratulated me and he never took credit for it. I didn’t know he batted the ball in the air. It was amazing. It means a lot more to me now….Gaines passed away a few years back, about eight years now. It means more to me that I was able to share such an important play with him in my playing career at Clemson because me and him had a real close relationship as well. Every memory that you can have with those type people, you cherish them.”"

Actor Jock McKissic reflects on his 2006 Palmetto Bowl 82-yard touchdown return and what it means to him since Gaines Adams’ death.