After a decorated career at Northgate High School (Ga.), James Skalski had to adjust to a smaller role in his first season at Clemson as he played sparingly at WILL linebacker behind Ben Boulware, who logged the most snaps of his career (882) in his senior year.
Skalski, though, was highly productive in limited action, recording 12 tackles, two tackles for loss, a sack and a quarterback pressure in just 20 snaps. He was a key contributor on special teams, too, adding eight tackles and helping shore up what was an area of weakness for the Tigers in 2015.
And all the while, Skalski learned a lot and gained confidence as a player.
“It was different role from playing high school to college, but it’s been a whole lot of fun,” Skalski told The Clemson Insider at Clemson’s media day before the national championship game in January, reflecting on his freshman season. “I’ve learned a whole lot. Couldn’t ask for better mentors and guys to look up to. So, it’s been a fun ride.”
An outstanding all-around athlete, Skalski was a first-team all-state linebacker and second-team all-state punter at Northgate. He was named the Region 4-AAAAA Defensive Player of the Year as a senior after leading the team with 170 tackles, 33 of which were tackles for loss, while notching 11 sacks, three forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, an interception and a pair of defensive touchdowns. A standout soccer player, as well, he averaged over 40 yards per punt and also handled the kickoff duties.
The game sort of came naturally to Skalski in high school, but in his first season at Clemson, he made strides in the mental aspect of it as he learned what it takes to have success at the college level.
“From high school to college, it’s such a big jump when it comes to the mental aspect of the game,” Skalski said. “So, I’ve learned from guys like Ben, Kendall (Joseph) and all those guys.”
Having a position coach as quality as the 2016 Broyles Award winner, Brent Venables, certainly helped his transition, too.
“He’s the best in the business. He expects perfection and wants it 100 percent of the time, and that’s what you have to bring to the table,” Skalski said. “You have to do everything you can to make sure you’re ready. If you’re not, then he’ll let you know. It’s hard, but it’s what you want as a player.”
With Boulware moving on, Skalski is in position to earn a larger role on the defense in 2017.
The native of Sharpsburg, Ga., is preparing to compete with talented redshirt freshman Shaq Smith and fellow rising sophomore Chad Smith for the starting job at WILL in 2017.
“We have a lot of depth at linebacker, so the only thing I can do is know my stuff and play really hard, and whatever happens, happens,” Skalski said. “That job’s obviously open next year, so I guess we’ll find out here in the near future.”
Clemson’s spring practice begins on March 1, and Skalski is doing what he can to be ready for it.
“Just get my body right and really get in the playbook and just know my stuff,” he said. “That’s the biggest part, honestly, is knowing my stuff.”
Skalski was lucky enough to experience a national championship in his freshman year. He enjoyed the ride, and sees a bright future for Clemson football.
“I’m very excited. We have some big positions opening up, but we have a lot of talent here and coming in,” Skalski said. “So, only good things I can see in the future. Only good things, and we have the best coaching staff in the country. You can’t beat it here.”