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The Cardinals stayed at eight, and they went defense. While offensive tackle was a potential target, ultimately GM Steve Keim decided to bolster the other side of the ball, grabbing Clemson linebacker Isaiah Simmons – who can also be deployed as a safety, a blitzer and potentially some slot corner. "This is one of the most unique players I've ever evaluated," Keim said on the "Cardinals Draft Connection" digital show following the pick. "There's very little this guy can't do. "We vowed to fix this defense." The 6-foot-4, 238-pounder can play the deep middle, play in the box and blitz, Keim said. At the Scouting combine in February, Simmons insisted his position wasn't linebacker as much as "defense." He also brought up on his own his ability to cover tight ends - an issue for the Cardinals in 2019, after the team allowed tight ends 96 receptions for 1,148 yards and 16 touchdowns. - AZCardinals.com

(DS#1 OLB) rJr/2020

OLB Isaiah Simmons, Clemson
News Source: AZCardinals.com
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04/22/20 - *Tee Higgins, Jr/2020, Clemson, 6-4, 216 (DS#8 WR) + More +

Tee Higgins came to Clemson in part because of the success Sammy Watkins and DeAndre Hopkins had during their time with the Tigers and eventually in the NFL. He leaves Clemson on equal footing in many ways to those Clemson legends, and is anxious to try to make a name for himself in the NFL as well. "It would be great getting to join those guys," Higgins recently told The State. "They're Clemson greats. It would mean a lot to have my name in the conversation with them." The Tennessee native finished his illustrious career with 27 receiving touchdowns - tying Watkins and Hopkins for the most in school history. And Higgins is the only player in school history to record back-to-back seasons of double digit touchdowns, catching 13 TD passes in 2019 and 12 in 2018.

Higgins is squarely in the conversation for the best Clemson receiver of the last decade - alongside Watkins, Hopkins and Mike Williams, who caught a career-high 49 passes for 1,001 yards for the Chargers last season. "He's just really, really worked his tail off from a fundamental standpoint, a technique standpoint, physical standpoint, his knowledge of the game, and he's just become a very talented route runner," Clemson coach Dabo Swinney said of Higgins. "He's got some freaky ball skills. He can make any type of catch. He's got kind of DeAndre Hopkins-type ball skills. He's got Mike Williams length. But he's got some explosiveness to him, as well." - The State

(DS#8 WR) Jr/2020

WR *Tee Higgins, Clemson
News Source: The State
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04/22/20 - Isaiah Simmons, rJr/2020, Clemson, 6-4, 233 (DS#1 OLB) + More +

Good luck finding anyone more versatile than Isaiah Simmons in the 2020 NFL Draft. The Clemson product lined up all over the field for the Tigers during his college career and was productive at every spot. Linebacker or safety, rushing the passer or covering receivers, Simmons did it all. And he led Clemson in tackles, tackles for loss and sacks as a redshirt junior in 2019 before leaving for the NFL. So where does Simmons feel like the best spot for him is at the next level? Simmons appeared on the Doug Gottlieb Show this week and provided that answer. "I would honestly say the best me is how I was used at Clemson to where it's not really like a set position what I do. It's more of responsibilities," Simmons said. "So just giving me kind of the freedom to bounce around from position to position and just let myself go is honestly what I feel is best. But I also feel like I can lock in at one position and dominate that position as well."

Clemson coach Dabo Swinney got an up-close look at Simmons' versatility throughout Simmons' college career and believes that whichever team drafts Simmons will have an advantage. Drafting Simmons is like having three first-round picks, according to Swinney, because the 6-foot-4, 238-pounder can do so many different things. "Just decide where you want to put him and he'll be great at that," Swinney said. "He dispels the myth that there's not a unicorn. He is one. Have not had a guy like him. Had some guys that could do aspects of his game but not all of that with the size and the speed that he has." - The State

(DS#1 OLB) rJr/2020

OLB Isaiah Simmons, Clemson
News Source: The State
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04/15/20 - *Trevor Lawrence, Jr/2021, Clemson, 6-6, 213 (DS#1 QB) + More +

The commissioners of the major college football conferences told vice-president Mike Pence on Wednesday there would be no football this fall until campuses were deemed safe for students following the coronavirus pandemic. The 10 commissioners - representing the SEC, ACC, Big Ten, Big 12, Pac-12, Conference USA, Sun Belt, American Athletic, Mid-American and Mountain West - as well as Notre Dame athletic director Jack Swarbrick spoke to Pence via a 30-minute conference call. The call took place as part of the government's exploration of when it might be safe to "re-open" to nation's economy. American Athletic Conference Commissioner Mike Aresco told the AP he and his colleagues sought to impress upon Pence the difference between college and professional sports, most notably that colleges cannot quarantine athletes (who are also students) the way pro leagues could if needed.

Various professional leagues, including the PGA Tour and Major League Baseball, have tentative plans to try and play or resume their 2020 seasons without fans in attendance. Pence was "hopeful and optimistic" and asked good questions, Bowlsby said. All major American professional and college sports have been shut down since mid-March due to COVID-19, resulting in the cancellation of the NCAA basketball tournament, College World Series and spring football practice. Fall football practice typically begins in August, with the season set to open on Labor Day weekend. However, most players are on-campus beginning in June to participate in voluntary workouts with teammates, as well as attend classes. - Birmingham News

(DS#1 QB) Jr/2021

QB *Trevor Lawrence, Clemson
News Source: Birmingham News
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04/13/20 - *Trevor Lawrence, Jr/2021, Clemson, 6-6, 213 (DS#1 QB) + More +

The College Football Playoff spring meetings, pretty much a staple for Las Colinas, have been reduced to a teleconference later this month by the coronavirus. And CFP executive director Bill Hancock is sporting a beard for the first time in 44 years. But the CFP itself has yet to be impacted. Even with all the speculation about everything from shortened seasons to no games whatsoever to spring football, Hancock said his group is focused on a season that's very familiar. "Oh, we are knee-deep in planning for this year's CFP as we always do in the spring," Hancock said by email Monday. "We're confident about the season."

That would mean kickoff on Labor Day. Those snapshot CFP rankings beginning in November. Selection Sunday in December. And the New Year's Six bowl games, which includes the Cotton Bowl on Dec. 30, and the CFP title game. Asked specifically about Plans B, C and even D, Hancock said the playoff hasn't explored any contingency plans. "No, we have not," Hancock said, pointing to the title game site. "We're busy planning for Miami on January 11." For now, Hancock doesn't want to speculate about moving the title game and all the New Year's Six games to sometime in April or May. "I wish I could help, but it's way premature to speculate about that," Hancock said. "The situation in our country seems to change every few days. There's really no need to speculate in April." - Dallas Morning News

(DS#1 QB) Jr/2021

QB *Trevor Lawrence, Clemson
News Source: Dallas Morning News
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04/06/20 - Isaiah Simmons, rJr/2020, Clemson, 6-4, 233 (DS#1 OLB) + More +

If your defense is in need of repair, the best buys can be found at linebacker. "The strength there (on defense) is the linebackers. I see linebackers as full-time guys," said a long-time NFL scout who interviewed for this draft series on the condition that his name not be used. "It's a better group of linebackers than usual. There are five, six who can play and can play full-time and not just be specialists." The player who can upgrade any defense is Clemson's Isaiah Simmons, a freakish athlete who is not a specialist but positionless. Simmons, who was measured at 6 feet 4 and 238 pounds, ran the 40-yard dash in 4.39 seconds, lifted 225 pounds 20 times and had jumps of 39 inches (vertical) and 132 inches (broad).

At Clemson, Simmons played multiple spots at all levels of the defense, even making a big interception 20 yards down the field in a College Football Playoff semifinal win over Ohio State. Simmons' versatility and impact on the game is similar to the Chargers' 6-2, 215-pound All-Pro safety Derwin James, but Simmons is faster, taller and more than 20 pounds heavier. "I never seen a guy like Simmons," the NFL scout said. Simmons seems to know his value in the current landscape of the game. "The game is no longer a 250-pound linebacker. It's more guys that can run side to side and are able to cover," he said at the combine last month. "The name of the game is stopping tight ends; something has to be done to stop the Travis Kelces or George Kittles out there." - Honolulu Advertiser

(DS#1 OLB) rJr/2020

OLB Isaiah Simmons, Clemson
News Source: Honolulu Advertiser
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04/04/20 - *Trevor Lawrence, Jr/2021, Clemson, 6-6, 213 (DS#1 QB) + More +

There have been plenty of theories floated around over the past couple of weeks in regards to what will happen to the college football season in 2020. ESPN analyst Kirk Herbstreit is on record as saying he would be "shocked" if the NFL or college football takes place this fall, while Brett McMurphy of Stadium recently reported that one of the possibilities being considered is playing games into next spring, with the national title game taking place in May or June of 2021. Then there is Dabo Swinney's opinion. Clemson's head coach went an entirely different route when speaking with the media Friday morning, stating that he fully expects college football to begin on time in about five months. "My preference is to let's get to work and let's go play. That's the best case scenario. I think that's what's going to happen. I have zero doubt that we're going to be playing," Swinney said. "The stands are going to be packed and the Valley's going to be rocking. I don't have any doubt."

Swinney acknowledged that there are plenty of other possibilities being thrown around, just not any that he is willing to consider. He doesn't have "any doubt" that fall camp will start on time in August and the college football season will start on time shortly thereafter. Swinney pointed to different accomplishments by the United States in the past as the reason for his optimism. "I mean this is America, man. I mean we've stormed the beaches of Normandy. We've sent a car and drove around on Mars. We've walked on the moon. This is the greatest country and the greatest people in the history of the planet," Swinney said. "We've created an iPhone that I can sit here and talk to all you people in all these different places. We've got the smartest people in the world. Listen, we're gonna rise up and we're gonna kick this thing right in the teeth and we'll get back to our lives." - The State

(DS#1 QB) Jr/2021

QB *Trevor Lawrence, Clemson
News Source: The State
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03/28/20 - *Trevor Lawrence, Jr/2021, Clemson, 6-6, 213 (DS#1 QB) + More +

Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence and his girlfriend have restarted their efforts to raise money for those affected by the new coronavirus. They announced their decision Saturday on social media. The two had set up a GoFundMe page earlier this week until told by Clemson compliance officials the site violated NCAA rules against using an athlete's name, image and likeness for crowd funding. But the NCAA said Tuesday that Lawrence and other athletes could use such sites to raise money in this case. Lawrence's girlfriend, Marissa Mowry, is a soccer player at Anderson University, about 15 miles from Clemson's campus. They created the "Trevor Lawrence and Marissa Mowry COVID-19 Relief Fund" designed to provide direct assistance to families affected by the pandemic. - AP College Football

(DS#1 QB) Jr/2021

QB *Trevor Lawrence, Clemson
News Source: AP College Football
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03/28/20 - Isaiah Simmons, rJr/2020, Clemson, 6-4, 233 (DS#1 OLB) + More +

"Burrow and Simmons might be the two best that I've ever seen," said the NFL scout, who has studied players for nearly five decades. The Atlantic Coast Conference Defensive Player of the Year lined up at defensive end, linebacker and safety as well as other spots for the Tigers. "It's like getting three first-round draft picks in one," Clemson coach Dabo Swinney said in an Associated Press article after the school's pro day on March 12, the day the sports world came to a halt. But the areas that have the most foundational players aren't at quarterback or linebacker but at wide receiver and the offensive line, especially at the tackle position. "I think this may be the best group of offensive lineman that I've seen," the scout said. "I got three (tackles) in the top 10." The receivers, meanwhile, boast so much talent that Jeremiah said he rated 27 receivers with top-three-round grades. Regardless, there will be talent at every position to satisfy the teams and their fans.

"The draft is what you put into it," the scout said. "People say there are good years and bad years - there are always players out there." But how will the draft turn out with no pro days and team visits? "(You) have to go back to the old drafts, which were better drafts, where they used to be held two weeks after the Senior Bowl and the coaches couldn't get involved. And you didn't have anybody getting excited about running around in their undershorts," the scout said. "People forget what happened in September and October, and they just remember what happened in March. And the problem in March is, they're in shorts." - Honolulu Advertiser

(DS#1 OLB) rJr/2020

OLB Isaiah Simmons, Clemson
News Source: Honolulu Advertiser
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03/27/20 - *Trevor Lawrence, Jr/2021, Clemson, 6-6, 213 (DS#1 QB) + More +

Count Kirk Herbstreit as one of those who believe there will not be a college football season this fall, thanks to the coronavirus pandemic. The ESPN analyst talked about why he thinks COVID-19 will keep teams on the sidelines. "I'll be shocked if we have NFL football this fall, if we have college football. I'll be so surprised if that happens," Herbstreit said, per TMZ. "Just because from what I understand, people that I listen to, you're 12 to 18 months from a (coronavirus) vaccine. I don't know how you let these guys go into locker rooms and let stadiums be filled up and how you can play ball. I just don't know how you can do it with the optics of it." On Monday, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell sent a memo Thursday to all 32 teams stating the 2020 NFL Draft is still a go April 23-25, but Herbstreit said he would shut down the season. "Next thing you know you got a locker room full of guys that are sick," he said. "And that's on your watch? I wouldn't want to have that." "As much as I hate to say it, I think we're scratching the surface of where this thing's gonna go." - Birmingham News

(DS#1 QB) Jr/2021

QB *Trevor Lawrence, Clemson
News Source: Birmingham News
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03/26/20 - Braden Galloway, Sr/2022, Clemson, 6-4, 239 (DS#19 TE) + More +

Some believe the 6-4, 248-pound Galloway can follow in the footsteps of 6-5, 258-pound Jordan Leggett, the former Clemson tight end who now plays in the NFL for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. As a senior in 2016, Leggett recorded 46 catches for 736 yards and seven touchdowns at Clemson. "There's a lot of comparisons that go out there between him and me," said Galloway, adding that he and Leggett have an open line of communication. "I'm just trying to be the best player I can be." Shortly before the 2018 Cotton Bowl, Galloway, then a rarely used freshman, fielded a call from coach Dabo Swinney, who informed him of his positive test. Galloway then called his father. "I couldn't believe it. I thought it was a joke. Just like he thought coach was joking with him," Derrick said. "I knew Braden didn't do anything wrong. That's what I knew in my heart."

The suspension prevented Galloway from playing in the Cotton Bowl and the Tigers' national championship win over Alabama. His appeal to the NCAA in the offseason was denied. He spent most of his sophomore season on the scout team, which is "not something you want to do." With defensive coordinator Brent Venables calling the shots, Galloway said, every practice was intense. The suspension meant his name remained in the public discourse, but not through the lens Galloway would prefer. Uncertainty loomed over his career. During Clemson's first bye week, after the team escaped North Carolina with a 21-20 victory, Galloway traveled to an Atlanta tattoo artist. He got new ink sketched on his left arm: 'Bet On Yourself.' "A lot my tattoos don't have meaning," he said. "But this one, going through last year there was a lot of doubt whenever I came back, what kind of player I would be." - Charleston Post

(DS#19 TE) Sr/2022

TE Braden Galloway, Clemson
News Source: Charleston Post
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03/25/20 - Justyn Ross, rSr/2022, Clemson, 6-4, 210 (DS#35 WR) + More +

Clemson football coach Dabo Swinney released a video Wednesday afternoon that covered a variety of topics, including his message to Tigers fans and South Carolina residents during this time of uncertainty. The comments were Swinney's first since Clemson's program split up for spring break nearly two weeks ago. Staff members and players were unable to return as Clemson's campus was shut down, and all classes will remain online through the end of the semester.

Swinney encouraged Clemson fans and South Carolina residents to take the coronavirus seriously and do what they can to keep it from continuing to spread. "Stay clean, wash your hands a lot. Be very mindful of where you are. Hopefully you're home safe. But if you are out stay out of groups and try to stay away from sick people and those types of things," Swinney said. "And if you are sick, stay home for sure and we can kick this thing in the tail and get back to our lives here at some point." Swinney added that he is "very hopeful" football will be played this fall but also made it clear that there are other things going on in the country that are more important right now. - The State

(DS#35 WR) rSr/2022

WR Justyn Ross, Clemson
News Source: The State
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03/24/20 - *Trevor Lawrence, Jr/2021, Clemson, 6-6, 213 (DS#1 QB) + More +

It turns out Trevor Lawrence and his girlfriend didn't do anything wrong when they were trying to help coronavirus victims and their families. What sounded like a noble effort but might have been an NCAA violation is OK after all. The NCAA said Tuesday the couple can resume their fundraising efforts after Clemson officials had shut down their gofundme.com page - "Covid-19 Family Relief and Support" - for fear the quarterback was committing a violation.

Lawrence and his girlfriend Marissa Mowry received the go-ahead from the governing body for the page after Clemson's compliance office had halted their efforts Monday afternoon - hours after they launched it. The roller-coaster ride had left Lawrence - one of the leading Heisman Trophy candidates heading into next season - and Mowry, a soccer player at Anderson (South Carolina) University, apologizing for trying to do what they thought was right before the NCAA stepped in. The NCAA said in a statement it did not ask Clemson to take down the gofundme.com page. The NCAA said it will continue working with its member schools to ensure athletes and those affected by the virus are supported. - AP College Football

(DS#1 QB) Jr/2021

QB *Trevor Lawrence, Clemson
News Source: AP College Football
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03/22/20 - Tanner Muse, rSr/2020, Clemson, 6-2, 227 (DS#19 OLB) + More +

Muse said Wednesday his weight is down to 223 pounds. He had planned to work out and take meetings with NFL teams at Clemson in advance of the draft, but with the spread of the novel coronavirus he has set up shop in his family's home. The basement has turned into a makeshift weight room, with a squat rack, bench press, Bowflex machine and free weights. "The big thing is going to be just trying to get into football conditioning, where I was training before was mostly (for the) Combine, which is different," Muse said. "Got to start conditioning and hit the weights as well. Just don't want to lose any weight that I've maintained through school."

Muse, whose younger brother Nick is a South Carolina tight end, said he met with seven or eight teams before Clemson's Pro Day last Thursday. A planned workout with the Houston Texans this past Sunday was canceled. He feels good about his draft prospects, though. After participating in defensive back drills at the Combine, he went to Fort Lauderdale, Fla., and did linebacker drills. Most of the teams he met with, Muse said, envision him as a linebacker. - Charleston Post Courier

(DS#19 OLB) rSr/2020

OLB Tanner Muse, Clemson
News Source: Charleston Post Courier
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03/17/20 - Travis Etienne, Sr/2021, Clemson, 5-10, 215 (DS#2 RB) + More +

There will be no Clemson spring football game in 2020 and no more practices the rest of the spring. The ACC announced Tuesday morning that all athletic-related activities through the end of the 2019-20 academic year have been canceled because of the coronavirus outbreak. The Tigers completed nine practices, their most recent last Wednesday, before shutting down for spring break. Clemson coach Dabo Swinney was asked about the possibility of COVID-19 altering spring practices following Clemson's pro day last Thursday and said he felt good about what the Tigers accomplished if their spring ended up being over. "We're in good shape," Swinney said.

"A lot of valuable development," he said of what was accomplished during the nine workouts. "We've got 15 midyears and it's a lot of development for those guys. They've been in a lot of meetings. A lot of corrections, a lot of installation. So a lot of just team building. A lot of team meetings and things, the way we build our team. We've gotten a lot of that done...I'm glad we were able to do that." Clemson, which has reached the College Football Playoff five consecutive years, is expected contend for the postseason again in 2020 behind junior quarterback Trevor Lawrence. Tigers star running back Travis Etienne is also back, opting to pass on the NFL to return for his senior season. Clemson will open the 2020 season on Thursday, Sept. 3 at Georgia Tech. - The State

(DS#2 RB) Sr/2021

RB Travis Etienne, Clemson
News Source: The State
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