Clemson football: Four Tigers left off the ACC preseason football team

Five Clemson football players were named to the 2020 ACC preseason award list.

Whether you are a working adult, a college student, or in middle school, it is always great when you are recognized for your performance. Several members of the 2020 Clemson football team were recognized Friday morning by the voting media members of the ACC as part of their preseason honors.

Tigers quarterback Trevor Lawrence, running back Travis Etienne, left tackle Jackson Carman, defensive tackle Tyler Davis and corner Derion Kendrick were all bestowed with the honor.

Lawrence was tabbed as the preseason ACC player of the year.

Big things are obviously expected of the Tigers in 2020, which is nothing new to the program or to these players. Just a year ago Clemson football was in the same position and followed that up with an undefeated season and their second straight appearance in the national title game.

Expect Clemson football to have several more at the end of the year ACC Awards list.

In addition to the five players on the preseason list, there are several others that have spectacular seasons and will join those five on the ACC Awards list at the end of the year once Clemson goes undefeated once again in ACC play.

Matt Bockhorst – RS Junior – Left Guard

Matt Bockhorst has had to wait his turn playing behind one of the best offensive linemen in John Simpson. However, Bockhorst did an incredible job when his number was called and there won’t be much drop off between him and Simpson if there is any drop-off at all.

He has been very vocal about the expectations of the offensive line in 2020 and believes that they will be the nastiest version we have seen yet, which is good because the offensive line hasn’t been as good as they needed to be since 2016.

James Skalski – RS Senior – Middle LB

James Skalski has had quite the bumpy road since he walked onto campus as a 4-star recruit and none of it is his fault.

His father passed away early in his career and then he had a major injury that forced him to redshirt in what would have been his junior season. He played a lot of special teams as a freshman and then saw his role expand in 2017.

He isn’t a flashy player but his presence is felt on every down and that will magnify this season for the Tigers. He may not be the biggest name in the ACC but he is among the best players the conference has to offer.

Braden Galloway – Junior – Tight end

We all know the story with Braden Galloway. However, the comeback story he is going to write this season will be of epic proportions. He will be a huge weapon in both the passing and rushing attack of the Clemson football offense and will be a difference-maker.

Despite all of the flashy number the offense has put up over the last few years, they have looked sluggish at times and that will change this year in large part because of this man.

Amari Rodgers – Senior – Wide Receiver

The consistent reporting out of Clemson is about Amari Rodgers. He is a focused man on a mission in 2020 to leave a last mark on the Clemson football program.

This young man has achieved unbelievable things already and looking to end his career with another ring. By far the hardest worker on a roster full of guys that love the grind, his leadership is paramount to the success of this team in 2020.

Not only will he impress in the locker room, but he will also shock and awe everyone that thinks the Tigers receiver group will take a step back without Justyn Ross. Amari should have been named to the preseason team and prove everyone wrong on the field.