Who is Christian Wilkins?

The NFL draft experience has been great for the former Clemson Tigers. The first round was actually one of the best for draftees from one school in NFL history.

On Thursday in Nashville, TN, Christian Wilkins, Clelin Ferrell and Dexter Lawrence made Clemson and NFL history. Ferrell went fourth to the Los Angeles Raiders, Wilkins 13th to the Miami Dolphins and Lawrence 17th to the New York Giants. The former Tigers became the first defensive linemen trio to be taken in the first round from one school and the most picks(3) in that round in Clemson history.

Wilkins was the only player in attendance and when his named was called, he gave the Dolphins’ fans an indelible peek into what makes him such a unique player/person.

“With the 13th pick in the 2019 NFL draft, the Miami Dolphins select Christian Wilkins defensive tackle, Clemson.”

After those words by NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, an exuberant Wilkins reached the stage, looked at Goodell, pointed upwards and then leaped into the air and Goodell. Wilkins expected a chest bump. But there was one problem. Goodell, 60, either, misread the directional gesture by Wilkins or he knew that crashing into a 6-foot-4, 315 pound defensive tackle, more than two feet in the air, could result in an unfavorable gravitational experience for him.

“Has he ever chest bumped anybody. That’s the universal symbol for, ‘we’re going up.’ I guess he didn’t get the message. It ended bad, but it could’ve ended worse,” said Wilkins to the media moments after his selection. Wilkins also added. “He almost didn’t make it to the 14th pick.”

The energy, passion and excitement Wilkins displayed in those two minutes with Goodell.

That’s Christian Wilkins!

A three-time first team All-American.

That’s Christian Wilkins!

Earned a bachelors degree in communication studies in 2.5 years.

That’s Christian Wilkins!

Danced and did splits at 315 pounds after winning a national title in 2016.

That’s Christian Wilkins!

A four-time All-ACC Conference Academic selection.

That’s Christian Wilkins!

Sprinted to the endzone to congratulate every teammate who scored a touchdown in high school and college.

That’s Christian Wilkins!

Wore a white suit with gold and black trim inspired by the White Power Ranger, his persona, among Clemson defensive linemen Clelin Ferrell, Dexter Lawrence, Austin Bryant and Albert Huggins, all known as The Power Rangers.

That’s Christian Wilkins!

Won the William V. Campbell Trophy, known as the Academic Heisman, given to “the American college football player with the best combination of academics, community service, and on-field performance.”

That’s Christian Wilkins!

Made 250 tackles, 41 tackles for loss, 16 sacks, 16 pass deflections and 56 quarterback pressures on defense and three touchdowns on offense(2 rushing, 1 receiving) in 56 career games(45 starts).

That’s Christian Wilkins!

Gave head coach Dabo Swinney a wet willie during Swinney’s live post 2018 national championship game interview.

That’s Christian Wilkins! 

Became a substitute teacher in Oconee County in South Carolina after deciding to put his NFL dreams on hold.

That’s Christian Wilkins!

On Jan. 5, 2011, Wilkins, 15, lost his grandfather, Eurie Stamps, Sr. who was accidentally shot and killed by a Framingham police officer during a raid at his home. Wilkins signed with Clemson on Jan. 5, 2014 and wears No. 42 to signify the day of Stamps death and the year(1942) he was born.

In his post draft interview, Wilkins talked about grandpa Stamps.

"He’s a positive role model and figure in my life.  Someone I looked to. Someone I was close with. Just having him in my life for that short time was special. You don’t know my grandfather, but if you see me…..I’m a spitting image of him and of who he was and his approach to life. I’m just blessed to have been able to spend time with him. Now I get to be his legacy, even though he’s not here-he’s definitely living, live and well through me."

Eurie Stamps, Sr.

That’s Christian Wilkins!