Re: Hill Watch...42 days!!!(6 weeks!)

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42 - Christian Wilkins Wore 42 to Honor His Late Grandfather

Jul 20, 2024, 12:03 AM

Christian Wilkins is one of the most talented DL Clemson has had – and that is definitely saying a lot! He did not wear a typical DL number, however, because he has dedicated his football career to honor someone he loves and remembers!

As ESPN put it:

“You're just like your grandfather. You remind me so much of your grandfather.
"That's the biggest compliment I could receive," Wilkins said. "They say I'm exactly how he was: big personality, larger than life. He was so inviting and personable. He impacted everyone he met.”
https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/18164609/the-moment-changed-clemson-tigers-defensive-end-christian-wilkins-life

Before Clemson:

That same ESPN article described the tragic events of the horrible night in Wilkins’ life:

“Eurie Stamps Sr. was a veteran who, before retiring, worked as a bus mechanic for the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority. He raised his family in Cambridge, just outside Boston, and was deeply involved in community activities through neighborhood houses, which facilitated camps, work opportunities and mentoring programs.

"He would literally give his last dollar to people," said Andrew Wilkins, Christian's brother. "He was so well known, he was such a big guy, had this big laugh, great smile, everything.
"He was just a very charming individual, and people loved him."
…
"Everything happened around midnight."

Christian was staying at his stepfather's when the raid took place. According to court documents, after storming into the apartment, two SWAT team officers ordered Stamps to get on the floor, and he obliged. Officer Paul Duncan pointed a gun at Stamps' head. According to Duncan, he lost his balance while stepping over Stamps and his rifle went off.

In the morning, Wilkins' mother called with the news.

"The pain I felt, I didn't even know really what to think or what to say at that time," said Wilkins, who had turned 15 just two weeks earlier. "I was so young. That was the most influential person in my life. He was really like a father figure to me with my dad not really being around."

https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/18164609/the-moment-changed-clemson-tigers-defensive-end-christian-wilkins-life

There genuinely are no words!

While at Clemson

Wilkins wore 42 at Clemson for a reason. According to NFL.com:

"I try to be his legacy," said Wilkins, who wears No. 42 as a tribute to his grandfather, born in 1942.”

https://www.nfl.com/news/back-2-campus/4t2ude

He will always be remembered for his enormous contributions at Clemson! According to ClemsonTigers.com:

“Christian Wilkins is perhaps the most decorated football player in Clemson history. He came to Clemson from the state of Massachusetts in 2015 and helped the Tigers football program to two national championships, three appearances in the national championship game, and four trips to the college football playoffs.

As a starting defensive lineman, Wilkins is the only Clemson football player to be named a first-team All-American by at least one of the five teams recognized by the NCAA in three different seasons.”

https://clemsontigers.com/black-history-month-christian-wilkins/

According to selected excerpts from his bio on ClemsonTigers.com:

Concluded a stellar four-year career as one of Clemson’s most decorated and most beloved figures … completed career with 250 tackles, 41 tackles for loss, 16 sacks, 56 quarterback pressures, 16 pass breakups, three forced fumbles and four fumble recoveries in 2,441 snaps over 59 games (45 starts) … three-time All-American who became the fifth unanimous All-American in school history in 2018 … three-time All-ACC selection and the second four-time All-ACC Academic selection in school history … his 59 career games are tied with tight end Cannon Smith for the most in school history … versatile contributor who played at both defensive tackle and defensive end throughout his career in addition to playing on kick and punt protection … also rushed four times for 13 yards with two rushing touchdowns and caught two passes for 31 yards with a touchdown … entered 2018 ranked as the No. 3 player in the nation in the preseason by Sports Illustrated and No. 13 player by NFL.com … No. 3 defensive tackle in the nation in the preseason by Lindy’s.

2018: First William V. Campbell Trophy winner in Clemson history … NFF National Scholar-Athlete selection … Nagurski Trophy finalist … Senior CLASS Award finalist … Outland Trophy finalist … Bednarik Award finalist … Lott IMPACT Trophy finalist … Lombardi Award finalist … unanimous first-team All-American, earning selections by AP, AFCA, FWAA, Walter Camp and Sporting News … fifth unanimous All-American in school history, joining Gaines Adams, Da’Quan Bowers, Terry Kinard and C.J. Spiller … fourth player in school history to earn first-team All-America status in three different seasons, joining middle guard William Perry (1982-84), LB Anthony Simmons (1995-97) and WR Sammy Watkins (2011-13) … first-team All-ACC … unanimous first-team AP All-ACC selection … CoSIDA Academic All-District selection … earned fourth career All-ACC Academic selection, joining Dalton Freeman (2009-12) as the only Clemson players to be placed on the team four times

2017: Winner of the Willis Award … one of 20 quarterfinalists for the Lott IMPACT Trophy … first-team All-American by AFCA, Rivals and Sporting News … second-team All-American by AP, CBS Sports and Walter Camp … third-team All-American by Sports on Earth … First-Team All-ACC selection … first-team All-ACC by AP … second-team All-ACC by Phil Steele … CoSIDA Academic All-District selection … All-ACC Academic selection

2016: Nagurski Trophy finalist … Bednarik Award semifinalist … first-team All-American by AFCA, Football Writers Association and Phil Steele … second-team All-American by SB Nation, Sporting News, USA Today and Walter Camp … third-team All-American by the Associated Press … second-team All-ACC (media, coaches) … All-ACC Academic Team selection

2015: First-team freshman All-American by CampusInsiders.com, Football Writers Association, Scout.com and Sporting News … All-ACC Academic Team selection

https://clemsontigers.com/sports/football/roster/christian-wilkins/

When Wilkins was not playing DL and bursting into an opponent’s backfield, he was occasionally lining up in Clemson’s backfield. According to Sports-Reference.com, he registered the following defensive (and offensive) statistics at Clemson:

Christian Wilkins (2015-2018):
Defensive:
- 191 Tackles (94 Solo and 97 Assisted)
- 41 Tackles for Loss
- 16 Sacks
- 4 Fumble Recoveries Returned for 21 Yards
Offensive:
- 4 Rushes for 13 Yards (3.3 Average)
- 2 Rushing Touchdowns
- 2 Receptions for 32 Yards:
- 1 to complete a surprise Fake FG in the CFP against Oklahoma and
- 1 for a Touchdown
- 1 Receiving Touchdown

https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/christian-wilkins-1.html

Wilkins completing the fake FG in the 2015 CFP:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jYpxOU_Lqys

The big man taking it into the end zone at FSU:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dnrrVUM73vY

Even if he were not part of a play, he would celebrate with teammates. After the offense would score, he would often be the first one to rush onto the field and celebrate with the offensive players. His exuberance seemed to keep his teammates fired up and ready at all times!

Wilkins knew how to get the most out of his college experience! He graduated (with his first degree) in three years and was projected as an early NFL Draft selection. Nonetheless, he wanted more. According to NFL.com:

“But despite having already earned a communications degree and being considered an elite draft prospect, he shocked friends, fans and scouts alike with a decision to return to Clemson for a senior season in 2018. Of all the draft prospects who opted for one more year of college seasoning, his decision was the hardest to believe.
…
Wilkins is a disruptive force as a pass rusher, with remarkable quickness for a player his size.
…
"This is a big, powerful kid who holds up really well on the edge, and he hasn't really tapped his potential," an AFC scout said.”

https://www.nfl.com/news/back-2-campus/4t2ude

He definitely made that last season (2018) count as Clemson went 15-0 in winning another National Championship in 2018!! And Wilkins finished his second degree from Clemson as he collected significant trophies and recognition. According to ClemosnTigers.com:

“Wilkins was a finalist for the Lott Impact Trophy, Bednarik Trophy, the Outland Trophy, the Lombardi Award and the Nagurski Award, honors given to the top lineman or defensive player in college football.

In 2018, Wilkins won the Campbell Trophy, the award known as the “Academic Heisman” for his achievements on the field, off the field and in the classroom. He earned two degrees in his academic career.”

https://clemsontigers.com/black-history-month-christian-wilkins/

He has to have been one of Clemson’s most passionate players. For all of his positive approach to life, and for all of his previous successes, Wilkins could not hold back to the tears as Clemson won another National Championship in his final collegiate game:

But, of course, that did not stop him from giving his Head Coach a wet willie during the national televised postgame interview (click the link for the full video):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=dWReG4BFLPM

After Clemson:

The Miami Dolphins selected Christian Wilkins with the 13th Pick (1st Round) of the 2019 NFL Draft. He played five seasons with the Dolphins. According to Pro-Football-Reference.com, Wikins has registered the following NFL statistics (again broken up by his defensive stats and his offensive stats):

Christian Wilkins (Dolphins 2019-2023):
Defensive:
- 355 Tackles (204 Solo, 151 Assisted)
- 43 Tackles for Loss
- 20.5 Sacks
- 6 Fumble Recoveries Returned for 11 Yards
Offensive:
- 2 Receptions for 2 Yards
- 2 Receiving Touchdowns

https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/W/WilkCh00.htm

In 2024 he signed as a free agent with the Las Vegas Raiders.

Dabo has made an interesting prediction for Wilkins after his playing days are over. According to ESPN:

"He's either going to be Michael Strahan," Swinney said of the former NFL standout-turned-media superstar, "hosting his own TV show and doing ESPN-type stuff on 'Monday Night Football.' Or, he's going to be the president.”

https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/18164609/the-moment-changed-clemson-tigers-defensive-end-christian-wilkins-life

Wilkins shares his story about wearing #42 (Caution: This video will touch your heart. You have been warned!):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sLmuIRH4X5k

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Clemson: Academic Excellence! Athletic Excellence!

North Carolina Highway 42 is a 222.9-mile-long state highway that meanders through the eastern side of the state from the west end at I-73, I-74, US 220 in Asheboro to the east end at NC 45 in Colerain, going through Cleveland, Clayton, Wilson, Pinetops, Conetoe, and Ahoskie. Andy Headen is from Asheboro.

NC 42 travels from Sanford to Fuquay-Varina (interesting town name). In this area is Raven Rock State Park near Lillington, a 4,180-acre park on the banks of the Cape Fear River in the Piedmont region of North Carolina between the Atlantic Plain and the Blue Ridge Mountains. The park was established in 1969. The water and wind for hundreds of years carved the namesake 150-foot crystalline structure that overlooks the Cape Fear River for more than a mile. Originally Patterson's Rock, the namechange in 1854 was inspired by the ravens that roosted on the rock ledges. Trails to the rock display a variety of wildflowers including mountain laurel. Other trails in the area lead to landmarks like Lanier Rapids and Fish Trap Rapids. Biking trails are also available as wells as RV campsites and camper cabins.

Hill Watch...42 days!!!(6 weeks!)

42 - Christian Wilkins Wore 42 to Honor His Late Grandfather

Re: 42 - Christian Wilkins Wore 42 to Honor His Late Grandfather

Re: 42 - Christian Wilkins Wore 42 to Honor His Late Grandfather

Re: 42 - Christian Wilkins Wore 42 to Honor His Late Grandfather

Re: 42 - Christian Wilkins Wore 42 to Honor His Late Grandfather

Re: 42 - Christian Wilkins Wore 42 to Honor His Late Grandfather