The Clemson Tigers have long been a powerhouse in college football, consistently producing elite players who dominate on the national stage. Head coach Dabo Swinney has built a program that has reached the College Football Playoff numerous times and has claimed two national championships in the last decade. As Clemson continues to recruit top-tier talent and develop future NFL stars, it’s no surprise that a number of their players have been named among the top college football players for the upcoming 2024 season.
As the 2024 college football season approaches, seven Clemson Tigers have been recognized as some of the best players in the country. These athletes represent the pinnacle of talent, hard work, and dedication, and their names will undoubtedly be on the radar of NFL scouts, analysts, and fans alike. In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into each of these seven players and explore why they’ve earned a spot among the top 150 players heading into the 2024 season.
1. Cade Klubnik (QB)
Clemson’s starting quarterback, Cade Klubnik, is one of the most highly anticipated players in college football for the 2024 season. The former five-star recruit took over as the team’s starting quarterback in 2023 after DJ Uiagalelei struggled to find consistency. Klubnik’s first season as the starter was marked by flashes of brilliance, and his potential as a future NFL quarterback has become widely recognized.
Klubnik is a dual-threat quarterback who excels both in the pocket and on the move. His ability to make accurate throws on the run and his poise under pressure make him a dangerous weapon for Clemson. In 2023, Klubnik showed great maturity for a young quarterback, throwing for over 2,000 yards and 20 touchdowns while also contributing on the ground with several key runs.
In 2024, Klubnik is expected to take a major leap forward. He has a strong arm, the ability to read defenses, and the leadership qualities necessary to take over a game. If he can improve his decision-making and consistency, Klubnik could easily be one of the top quarterbacks in the nation and a potential top pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.
2. Will Shipley (RB)
Will Shipley is one of the most dynamic running backs in college football, and for good reason. The junior back has been the centerpiece of Clemson’s rushing attack since he arrived on campus, showcasing an incredible combination of speed, vision, and power. Shipley has been a consistent force in the backfield, and as the focal point of Clemson’s offense in 2024, he is expected to continue to put up huge numbers.
In 2023, Shipley rushed for over 1,200 yards and 14 touchdowns, earning first-team All-ACC honors. He also proved to be a versatile threat in the passing game, catching over 30 passes for 300 yards and a touchdown. Shipley’s ability to run between the tackles, break off big runs, and catch passes out of the backfield makes him a weapon that defenses must account for on every snap.
As a junior in 2024, Shipley has a chance to further solidify his status as one of the nation’s top running backs. With his combination of physical traits and on-field production, Shipley will be a focal point for opposing defenses, but he also has the ability to make them pay for their efforts. Whether he’s running for tough yardage or making big plays in the open field, Shipley will be one of the most important players for Clemson as they aim to compete for a national title.
3. Tyler Davis (DT)
On the defensive side of the ball, Tyler Davis is one of the most dominant interior defensive linemen in the country. The senior defensive tackle has been a mainstay on Clemson’s defense since his freshman year, and he has consistently been one of the most disruptive players on the field. His ability to wreak havoc in the backfield, whether it’s pressuring the quarterback or stuffing the run, has made him a force to be reckoned with in the ACC and beyond.
Davis’s 2023 season was another impressive one, as he recorded 50 total tackles, 10 tackles for loss, and 5 sacks. His ability to command double teams and create space for other players on the defensive line has been invaluable to Clemson’s defense. Davis’s relentless motor and high football IQ allow him to make plays in all phases of the game, and he has become a leader for the Tigers’ defense.
In 2024, Davis will be a key piece for Clemson’s defense as they look to continue their dominance on that side of the ball. As one of the best interior defensive linemen in college football, Davis will be a top prospect for the NFL and one of the players to watch closely as the season progresses.
4. Jeremiah Trotter Jr. (LB)
Jeremiah Trotter Jr. is the definition of a playmaking linebacker. The junior linebacker has quickly emerged as one of the best defensive players in the country, and he will be a leader for Clemson’s defense in 2024. Trotter is a versatile player who can excel in both pass coverage and run defense, and his ability to make plays all over the field has made him one of the top linebackers in the nation.
In 2023, Trotter led Clemson in tackles with 105 and added 6 tackles for loss and 3 sacks. His ability to read the quarterback’s eyes and make plays in coverage is what sets him apart from other linebackers, and he has the rare ability to create turnovers at critical moments. Trotter’s leadership on and off the field has made him one of the most respected players on the roster.
As he heads into his junior year, Trotter will be one of the top linebackers to watch in college football. His instincts, athleticism, and football intelligence make him a player who can take over games, and his ability to cover ground and make plays all over the field will be a key asset to Clemson’s defense.
5. Barrett Carter (LB)
Joining Trotter in the linebacker corps is another highly talented player in Barrett Carter. The junior linebacker has developed into one of the best defenders in the country and has earned a spot among the top players in the nation for the 2024 season. Carter is an athletic and explosive player who has the ability to impact the game in a variety of ways. Whether it’s rushing the passer, stopping the run, or covering in pass defense, Carter is a complete linebacker.
In 2023, Carter recorded 80 tackles, 13 tackles for loss, and 5 sacks, establishing himself as one of the top linebackers in the country. His ability to make plays behind the line of scrimmage and contribute in multiple facets of the game has made him a standout player. As a leader of Clemson’s defense, Carter is expected to continue his upward trajectory in 2024.
Carter’s versatility and ability to make plays at all levels of the defense make him one of the most dangerous linebackers in college football. As Clemson’s defense looks to continue its dominance in the ACC and beyond, Carter will be a key player to watch in the 2024 season.
6. Booth Jr. (CB)
The Tigers’ secondary will be bolstered by the presence of Booth Jr., one of the top cornerbacks in college football. Booth is an elite cover corner who excels at shutting down wide receivers and making plays on the ball. His ability to lock down receivers in man coverage, combined with his ball skills and intelligence, makes him one of the top cornerbacks in the country heading into 2024.
Booth’s performance in 2023 was impressive, as he recorded 45 tackles, 2 interceptions, and 10 passes defended. His ability to play physical while maintaining excellent footwork has made him one of the best cornerbacks in college football. As a senior, Booth will be looking to leave his mark on Clemson’s defense and increase his draft stock for the 2025 NFL Draft.
Booth’s lockdown ability and athleticism will make him a key piece in Clemson’s defense as they look to compete for a national title in 2024. His ability to shut down top receivers will give the Tigers a significant advantage in their pass defense.
7. Adam Randall (WR)
Adam Randall is poised to become one of Clemson’s top receiving threats in 2024. The sophomore wide receiver has shown flashes of brilliance since his arrival on campus, and he will be a key target for Cade Klubnik in the passing game. Randall’s combination of size, speed, and hands make him a nightmare for opposing defenses.
In 2023, Randall was a breakout star, catching 50 passes for over 600 yards and 7 touchdowns. His ability to make plays down the field and his strong hands in contested catches make him a go-to target for Klubnik. As he enters his sophomore season, Randall is expected to take another step forward and become one of the top wide receivers in the country.
Randall’s development will be crucial for Clemson’s offense in 2024, as he provides a legitimate deep-threat option alongside Will Shipley. With a full year of experience under his belt, Randall is expected to become one of the top wide receivers in the ACC and a player to watch for the 2025 NFL Draft.
