Clemson football defensive lineman Christian Wilkins is one of the best in Tiger history. The senior will leave the program much better than he found it.
Isn’t the true test of a champion if they leave something better than they found it?
To me, a champion is a person that when they leave- whether it be a team, organization, program, job, etc.- their former entity can say that it has been changed for the better.
Christian Wilkins is the definition of a champion.
Wilkins came into the Clemson football program as a highly-touted recruit and he certainly lived up to the hype.
Over his time at Clemson, Wilkins was part of four ACC Championships, four College Football Playoffs and two National Championships.
He played defensive tackle and defensive end in his career and was able to score both receiving and rushing touchdowns offensively. Honestly, the only thing Wilkins didn’t get to do in his career was play quarterback. And, trust me, he tried his hardest.
Watching the emotions just pour out of him as the Tigers defeated Alabama 44-16 in the National Championship was just heart-wrenching.
Clemson football couldn’t have asked for a more successful, talented and humble ambassador to represent the program over the last few years.
Wilkins has been a leader both on and off the field. He has fun, but also knows when to be serious and how to work hard.
In just two and a half years, Wilkins finished up his undergrad degree. He had no reason to return to school after his junior season. Except his love for Clemson football.
Despite the fact that he would’ve gone high in the NFL Draft, Wilkins elected to return to school for one more chance at a National Championship.
During that time, he earned his graduate degree (in just three and a half years total) and was a force in helping lead the Tigers back to the promise land in the win over Alabama.
In my opinion, Christian Wilkins is the best defensive lineman to ever play for Clemson. He has been dominant and will be a first-round draft pick in the upcoming NFL Draft.
But, it’s much more than what he did on the field. It’s what he did for the program. It’s how he carried himself.
Christian Wilkins leaves Clemson a champion. He helped build this program and, for that, Clemson has been forever changed.