Clemson football: Lannden Zanders unexpectedly retires

Clemson safety Lannden Zanders has decided to retire from football. Zanders announced his retirement on Twitter this afternoon.

Zanders played high school football at Crest High School in Shelby, North Carolina. While many thought he could be a redshirt candidate in 2019, he instead impressed the staff and played in all fourteen games. He became a starter in 2020 but experienced the first of a string of injuries that would eventually derail a promising career.

An attempt to return in 2021 ended quickly with a shoulder injury in the opening game against Georgia. It was hoped that Zanders would be able to recover and contribute at safety in 2022.

Zanders states the following in his announcement:

"“While I’ve worked hard with trainers and doctors to return to the field, I just do not believe I am physically able to be the kind of player I have always prided myself on being. Though I am disappointed I will not play football again, I leave the game with no regrets. I am proud I got to play beside so many great teammates and for so many great coaches. Even as I enter my next chapter, I am proud that my journey and my life story include the opportunity to have played football at Clemson.”"

With the retirement of Lannden Zanders depth at safety takes a hit right before fall camp opens

Clemson will be without long-time safety Nolan Turner in 2022, who is generating chatter on social media in Tampa Bay’s training camp. Clemson returns sophomore Andrew Mukuba, who had a breakout freshman campaign, as well as Jalyn Phillips, Tyler Venables and RJ Mickens. While Zanders retirement will hurt depth, it does not represent a crisis for the safeties group. It is possible that freshmen Sherrod Covil or Kylon Griffin might be needed more than expected.

I’m disappointed for Zanders. He was a guy that didn’t have a whole lot of accolades coming out of high school. He was a 3-star recruit in the 247 Composite, so there was excitement in Tiger Nation when Zanders became an immediate contributor in 2019. His injury in 2020 was frustrating, but we never had the impression that he wasn’t likely to be able to recover.

The 2021 injury against Georgia made it clear that Zanders had a big challenge ahead of him to get back on the field, but retirement had never been mentioned as a possibility publicly. His announcement today is a shock, but I am glad that he is making the right choice for his quality of life. I wish him all the best.