The Clemson Tigers have secured the sixth position among college affiliations for NFL triplets, according to a ranking by NFL.com’s Gennaro Filice. This recognition highlights the impressive presence of former Clemson players in the league, particularly quarterback Trevor Lawrence, running back Travis Etienne, and wide receiver Tee Higgins. This trio, who previously played together during Clemson’s last national championship season in 2018, contributed to the Tigers’ flawless 15-0 record that year, marking the program’s third championship title.
Highlighting Clemson’s NFL Standouts
Filice’s assessment emphasizes the potential impact of Lawrence in the upcoming season as he adapts to a revamped offense with the Jacksonville Jaguars. The addition of head coach Liam Coan and the second-year presence of standout Brian Thomas Jr., along with the highly anticipated No. 2 overall pick Travis Hunter, is expected to elevate Lawrence’s performance. “Now it’s time for Lawrence to fully showcase the immense talent that we’ve heard so much about since he was the No. 1 recruit in the land,” Filice noted.
During his time at Clemson, Lawrence established remarkable statistics, throwing for 10,098 yards and 90 touchdowns across three seasons. He holds a program record with a winning percentage of .944, maintaining a starter record of 34-2.
Etienne has experienced a fluctuating career in Jacksonville, having started strong but facing challenges in recent years. Filice commented that the upcoming season “could be his swan song with the Jaguars this fall.” In his fourth year, Etienne has amassed over 2,600 yards, scoring 18 touchdowns. His collegiate career was equally impressive, where he rushed for 4,952 yards and 70 rushing touchdowns at Clemson, setting several ACC records.
Higgins’ Continued Ascent in the NFL
Meanwhile, Higgins has solidified his position in the league after signing a four-year contract extension worth $155 million with the Cincinnati Bengals this offseason. Filice described Higgins as “ascending,” following a season where he recorded 10 touchdowns, highlighting his growth during his fifth year in the NFL. Over three seasons at Clemson, Higgins accumulated 2,448 yards and 27 touchdowns, playing a crucial role in the Tigers’ success during the championship years of 2018 and 2019.
The ranking placed Clemson behind five other notable programs: Oklahoma, Georgia, Alabama, Ohio State, and LSU. This acknowledgment not only reflects the talent fostered at Clemson but also underscores the university’s continuing influence in shaping successful professional athletes. As the NFL season approaches, the performances of Lawrence, Etienne, and Higgins will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike, highlighting the enduring legacy of the Clemson Tigers in the world of football.
