Former Clemson LB James Skalski is joining his former defensive coordinator, now head coach, staff at Oklahoma as a graduate assistant.
Skalski announced the move on Instagram Sunday evening.
Two-year team captain who completed his decorated six-year career spanning 2016-21 credited with 310 career tackles (20.5 tackles for loss), 10.0 sacks, 12 pass breakups, two fumble recoveries (including one he returned 17 yards for a touchdown) and a forced fumble in 1,920 snaps over 69 games (38 starts) … his 69 career games played tied for the school and modern FBS record … is the only player ever to play in (and win) five ACC Championship Games … at the conclusion of his career, was one of only 20 players in school history to earn at least three All-ACC Academic Team selections.
Before Clemson: Outstanding all-around athlete … standout on the football field and the soccer field … will leave Northgate High as the school’s most decorated athlete … named first-team all-state as a linebacker and second-team all-state as a punter … Region 4-AAAAA Defensive Player of the Year … named the MVP of the Newnan area … led the team in tackles with 170, 33 of which were tackles for loss … had 11 sacks, three caused fumbles, two caused fumbles and an interception … had a pair of defensive touchdowns as well … handled the punts and had over a 40-yard average … also handled kickoffs and was second-team all-region kicker as well … also running back at times for Northgate team that finished 12-2, most wins in school history … also a three-year starter in soccer … actually played football and soccer at the same time during the fall of 2013 … played his high school football for Tommy Walburn … selected Clemson over offers from Louisville and South Carolina … recruited by Mike Reed and Brent Venables.
Personal: Born Feb. 2, 1998 … his sister, Brenna, played softball at Georgia State … father played football for two years at Oklahoma … graduated in December 2019 with a degree in communication … added a master’s degree in athletic leadership in December 2021 … four-time ACC Honor Roll selection.
