Christian Wilkins (No. 42)
Maybe Christian Wilkins isn’t quite on the level to have his number retired as Deshaun Watson, but there’s no doubt that he’s one of the greatest to ever put on a Clemson football uniform.
Wilkins has got to be considered the top defensive lineman (maybe you consider William Perry ahead of him, and that’s fine) simply based upon what he had accomplished. He was a three-time first-team All-American and was instrumental in helping lead the Tigers to two National Championships and four ACC Championships.
Wilkins chose to come back to Clemson for another season even after he could’ve been a first-rounder and left with another National Championship. He finished his Bachelor’s degree in three years and earned a Master’s degree, as well, by returning.