Clemson football: 5 Tigers we wish would’ve played during the Dabo Swinney era

Gaines Adams

Another Tommy Bowden era standout, Gaines Adams will forever be remembered as one of the best pass-rushers to ever come through the Clemson football program.

Adams finished his career with 28 total sacks, which is good enough still for second all-time in program history. He is tied with Michael Dean Perry at second and just behind Vic Beasley (33) for the program record.

Adams was selected with the No. 4 overall pick in the 2007 NFL Draft by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and he would go on to have a solid NFL career before leaving us way too soon at the age of 26 due to an enlarged heart.

Had Adams been around in the Dabo Swinney era to play under Brent Venables, you just have to wonder what kind of havoc he could’ve created. Can you imagine him playing with the Power Rangers? Talk about nasty.

It just would’ve been fun to see Adams’ talent in a Brent Venables-led defense.