Clemson earned a thrilling 38-35 victory over Kentucky on Friday in the Gator Bowl at EverBank Stadium, home of the Jacksonville Jaguars and a trio of former Tigers.

During a press conference prior to the Gator Bowl, Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney beamed when talking about his three former players who are now teammates in Jacksonville – quarterback Trevor Lawrence, running back Travis Etienne and offensive lineman Tyler Shatley.

Shatley – who came to Clemson as a member of Swinney’s first recruiting class from 2009 that he dubbed the “Dandy Dozen” – is now in his 10th season with the Jaguars after they originally signed him as an undrafted rookie in 2014.

“Super proud of those guys, really proud of them,” Swinney said of Lawrence, Etienne and Shatley.

“Got a chance to see Shatley the other day and a couple of his kids. Tyler was in my first signing class, so he was a part of the ‘Dandy Dozen,’ and all 12 of those guys graduated and are doing really good in life. He’s still playing. He’s the last man standing of that group. I guess this is year 10, something like that for him, and captain. Pretty good for a free agent guy, and to stay with the same team. So, really proud of him, and I think he’s been a good big brother to those guys as they’ve come into the fold here.”

Shatley was joined by Lawrence and Etienne in Jacksonville two years ago after they were both selected in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft.

Lawrence, the No. 1 overall pick that year, has piled up 11,490 passing yards and 56 passing touchdowns in his pro career to date. He has thrown for 3,736 yards and 19 touchdowns with 12 interceptions this season while battling through multiple injuries for a Jaguars team that is on a four-game losing streak but still currently tied for first place in the AFC South at 8-7.

“Trevor, I mean, he’s Trevor. The guy’s a great winner,” Swinney said. “I know they’ve lost a couple games here. I talked to Coach Pederson (Jaguars head coach Doug Pederson) the other day, as a matter of fact, but I know they’ve had a couple tough games. But they’re right there in the hunt, and just need to find a way to win one and go from there.

“But he’s been beat up and banged up, but he’s just one of those guys that keeps coming. That’s what you love about Trevor. I’ve always said that about him – he looks like Hollywood, but he’s the most un-Hollywood guy you’ll ever come across. The kid, he loves to play. He loves to play, he loves to prepare, he’s a grinder, and he’s got a long, long, long career ahead of him.”

Etienne, meanwhile, has given the Jaguars a dynamic presence in the backfield since he stepped foot on the field for them.

After missing all of his rookie season in 2021 with a Lisfranc injury that he suffered in that preseason, Etienne returned to rush for more than 1,000 yards in 2022. He’s continued to be productive this season while rushing for 849 yards and nine touchdowns to go with his 430 receiving yards and a touchdown reception.

“Etienne, I mean, he’s just one of the most explosive players at this level just like he was at our level, and really proud of him,” Swinney said. “Obviously he missed his first year, but seeing what he did last year, and he’s had some big moments this year as well. Same thing – as long as he’s healthy and he touches the ball, good things usually happen with that guy.”

Lawrence and Etienne, who led Clemson to the 2018 national title, were on the Clemson sideline at the Gator Bowl and received a loud ovation from Tiger fans when they were shown on the video board during a third-quarter timeout.

Swinney sees great days ahead for Lawrence, Etienne and Shatley in Jacksonville.

“Just three really great guys… really proud of them and how they’ve instilled a lot of life into Jacksonville,” Swinney said, “and the Jags got a bright future with that group for sure.”

To honor Clemson’s special senior class Dear Old Clemson is selling footballs signed by 7 of Clemson’s Avengers for only $100.  These limited edition footballs are signed by Thomas, Orhorhoro, Davis, Mascoll, Henry, Murphy and Williams.  Get one while supplies last.