Las Vegas Raiders DT Christian Wilkins on Why He Went to Clemson

Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Christian Wilkins played four seasons for the Clemson Tigers

Before he was an NFL defensive tackle, Christian Wilkins was one of the best defensive lineman in college football as a member of the Clemson Tigers.

Wilkins had his options of where to play collegiately, but ultimately it was the Tigers who won over his interest.

Wilkins discussed the decision to go to Clemson when he recently joined the "Third and Long" podcast.

"It wasn't because of these nice little NIL deals that these kids are getting now and all of that, they're getting bags now. So, it definitely wasn't for that reason. So, for me, just growing up -- some way, some how, I kind of heard about Clemson at a young age. A family friend grew up in South Carolina, so Clemson was at least kind of on my mind; I remember hearing about Clemson and, obviously, the thunder and lightning in the backfield with C.J. Spiller and James Davis.

"So I remember them, hearing about them when I was a young kid and even before I knew college football was a possibility for me. So, Clemson was kind of at least a little engrained in my mind. But then, just as I was going through the process as I was growing up, just a lot of the things I was looking for in a college, Clemson was preaching that, Clemson was all about those things.

"I wanted to grow spiritually, academically and socially, and obviously, athletically, and I felt like Clemson gave me that best opportunity to do that. Even going far away from home from Massachusetts to South Carolina. I felt right at home; felt like I could make the adjustment and was able to have a good, solid career there at Clemson, do some good things."

Wilkins won the William V. Campbell Trophy and was a Nagurski Trophy finalist, an Outland Trophy finalist, a Bednarik finalist, a Lott Impact Trophy finalist, a Lombardi Award finalist and a Senior CLASS Award finalist in his final season with the Tigers. He was also a unanimous All-American.

Wilkins helped lead Clemson to a perfect 15-0 season, including its national championship win over Alabama.

You can watch the entire podcast episode here.

The NFL Draft will be held in Detroit, Mich., on April 25-27, 2024. The Las Vegas Raiders currently have the No. 13 overall pick.

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