Clemson Football: The only 5 Tigers named unanimous All-Americans

Clemson Football: The only 5 Tigers named unanimous All-Americans in history

TAMPA, FL - JANUARY 09: Quarterback Deshaun Watson #4 of the Clemson Tigers celebrates with the College Football Playoff National Championship Trophy after defeating the Alabama Crimson Tide 35-31 to win the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship Game at Raymond James Stadium on January 9, 2017 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /

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ANAHEIM, CA – DECEMBER 23: Defensive back Terry Kinard #43 of the New York Giants looks back to play the ball against the Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Drew Hill #87 during the 1984 NFC Wild Card game at Anaheim Stadium on December 23, 1984 in San Francisco, California. The Giants won 16-13. (Photo by George Rose/Getty Images) /

1. Terry Kinard (1982)

Terry Kinard was the first Clemson football player in history to be named a unanimous first-team All-American. It took nearly 90 years for the Tigers to produce a unanimous All-American and it would be 24 years until they’d produce another one after Kinard.

It should be pointed out that from 1924 to 1973 that there were more than just five organizations selecting the teams, but it still was an impressive accomplishment for Kinard to be the first Tiger in history to achieve the honor.

Kinard set the Clemson record for interceptions with 17 at the time and he holds the record for most tackles by a defensive back in school history with 294 in his career.

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He would go on to be drafted by the New York Giants in the first-round of the 1983 NFL Draft and played eight years in the NFL.

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