Clemson Football: Preseason Watchlist Candidates

Clemson Football will have several talented players take the field in 2023. We are approaching the time when many of the committees will begin releasing watchlists for their 2023 awards.

Here are a few we might see over the next month.

Maxwell and Walter Camp: Will Shipley

Both awards are given to the most outstanding players of the year in college football. They are like the Heisman. The Maxwell is selected by a panel of sportscasters, sportswriters, and coaches. The Walter Camp is selected by FBS head coaches. Shipley was named to the watchlist for the Maxwell last season, so it stands to reason that he will likely be on the 2023 list too.

Bronko Nagurski & Chuck Bednarik: Jeremiah Trotter, Jr., Barrett Carter, and Tyler Davis

Both awards are given to outstanding defensive players. The Nagurski is awarded by the Football Writers Association of America. The Bednarik, akin to the Maxwell, is awarded by the Maxwell Football Club and selected by a committee of sportscasters, sportswriters, and coaches.

Outland: Tyler Davis

The Outland is awarded to the best interior lineman in college football. Both offensive and defensive players are eligible. The Tigers almost always have a representative on this list, and Davis makes the most sense.

Doak Walker: Will Shipley

The Doak Walker is awarded to the best running back in college football. Shipley was on this watchlist last season too. I wouldn’t rule out Phil Mafah being named to this list either.

Rimington: Will Putnam

Putnam turned some heads last offseason when he was named to the Rimington watchlist, given to the best center in college football. Considering he made the list before he ever played a snap at center in a real football game, he seems a lock to make it this season.

Davey O’Brien: Cade Klubnik

The Davey O’Brien is awarded to the best quarterback in college football. Klubnik doesn’t have a lot of starts under his belt, but given his profile he will most likely be included.

John Mackey: Jake Briningstool

The John Mackey is awarded to the most outstanding tight end in college football. Davis Allen was on this list last season and Briningstool should be the heir apparent from the Tigers’ roster.

Several Clemson Football players are likely to be included on 2023 preseason watchlists

Fred Biletnikoff: Antonio Williams

The Biletnikoff is given annually to the best wide receiver in college football. Williams probably isn’t a lock to be on this list, but he is the most likely to be included from Clemson’s roster.

Butkus: Jeremiah Trotter, Jr. and Barrett Carter

The Butkus goes to the best linebacker in America annually, and both Carter and Trotter are receiving the accolades deserved for outstanding 2022 seasons.

Jim Thorpe: Andrew Mukuba and Nate Wiggins

The Jim Thorpe is awarded to the best defensive back in the country. Mukuba was on the 2022 preseason list. He didn’t have the season he had hoped for, but he will likely be included again. Wiggins stands a good chance to be included too.