All Clemson Tigers is getting you ready for the 2023 season with a list of some of the most anticipated players. Heading into the fall, these Tigers are either coming off of injuries, stepping into larger roles or are needed for Clemson to have a big season. You won’t find fan favorites like Will Shipley or Barrett Carter on this list. They are known commodities. Instead, the focus is on players the fans can’t wait to do something they haven’t seen.
Let’s keep the countdown going with No. 6.
Junior CB Nate Wiggins
Key stats from 2022: 1 interception, 1 INT returned for TD, 12 pass breakups (team lead), 30 tackles, 2 tackles for a loss, 1 blocked kick.
Why the hype?: Wiggins had one heck of a roller-coaster season in 2022, but the way he finished gives Clemson hope that a star has been born for 2023. As a sophomore, Wiggins got picked on and picked apart by Wake Forest early last season. But in the ACC Championship Game against UNC, he picked off a pass and returned it 98 yards for a score while also fending off several pass attempts in the end zone to earn defensive MVP honors. Wiggins has the swagger and confidence to play the position at a high level, and he enters this season among the top cornerback returnees in the conference.
What to expect in 2023: Wiggins will be the anchor of the Tiger secondary this fall. If he took another step in development, and there’s little reason to think he hasn’t based on the track record of CB coach Mike Reed, Wiggins can follow in a great line of high-caliber corners like Mackensie Alexander, A.J. Terrell and Andrew Booth Jr., who have all gone on to play in the NFL. Corners aren’t always judged on interceptions and other stats. It’s more about taking away the top receiver or a side of the field. Wiggins is good enough to be that kind of player this fall.
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