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2. Gaines Adams (2006)
Gaines Adams was the second Tiger in history to be named a unanimous first-team All-American.
In 2006, Adams accounted for 51 tackles and 12.5 sacks. He will forever be remembered for a play against Wake Forest where he returned a fumble on a field goal attempt for a touchdown that swung the momentum of the game back in Clemson’s favor.
He went on to be drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with the No. 4 overall pick in the 2007 NFL Draft. Adams died of complications from an enlarged heart at the young age of 26.
Adams was a leader for the Tigers and proved that he was more than capable of dominating collegiate offensive linemen during that 2006 season, as well as the 2005 season before that.