Former Clemson Football players that could join the staff in the future

John Simpson

Everything came together for the Tigers in 2018. Trevor Lawrence was the sensation after Clemson’s national championship victory over Alabama, but it was the leadership of players like Wilkins and Renfrow that buoyed Clemson throughout the ups and downs of the season.

It was unknown who would step in to fill that void in leadership once the veterans moved on to the NFL. Clemson found an answer on the offensive side from a surprising source.

Simpson was known as a reliable lineman from 2016-2019, but it wasn’t until he was a rising senior that he showed everyone his personality. He showed that he had the same kind of sense of humor and likeability as Wilkins when he showed up at ACC Media Days with a blond wig impersonating Lawrence.

To be a leader, one must be able to make connections with those around them. Simpson had that ability, and he was one of the guys that filled that leadership void in 2019. Those qualities were part of the reason he was drafted by the (then) Oakland Raiders in 2020.

Simpson’s NFL career is at a crossroads. Hopefully, he finds a role with the Baltimore Ravens this off-season. When he does complete his NFL career, he could consider a job in coaching.