CLEMSON – This week, The Clemson Insider asked students who their favorite Clemson football player is, former or current.

–Senior industrial engineering major Preston Pettway said former safety Isaiah Simmons is his favorite player. “He was very versatile because he could rush the passer, cover receivers, and make tackles easily.”

–Senior sports communication major Gracie Pemble went with Trevor Lawrence as her obvious answer, but also said that Phil Mafah was her favorite player to watch currently. “He has been absolutely killing the game lately! I am so happy that he has gotten more playing time and exposure, and that he is finally getting some more love.”

–Senior health science major Grant Fuller’s favorite Tiger is former running back, now Clemson assistant coach, C.J. Spiller. “Watching him play was electric. Every time he got the ball, I knew there was a chance he would score, whether it was on special teams, running the ball, or catching it out of the backfield. He was a big play waiting to happen, and I loved watching him.”

–Senior criminal justice major Janna Gubanich had a unique answer for her favorite player – former defensive end Jim Scott. He was on the 1981 National Championship team at Clemson and was later drafted by the New York Giants in the sixth round of the 1984 NFL Draft. He also played for the New York Jets. “Not only was he an amazing player, but he is a close family friend of mine, and the discipline and character he learned while playing at Clemson translated into his post-football career.” According to Gubanich, Scott worked his way up to become a 2nd lieutenant for the Fairfax Police Department and is now a senior pastor at Gubanich’s local church. Every year, Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney invites him to do a chapel service for the football team. “Mr. Scott’s leadership, both on and off the field, inspired me to take advantage of all Clemson has to offer, and I am proud to call it my school.”

–Junior industrial engineering major Jordan Traynum also went with CJ Spiller for his answer. “He was playing right when I started watching Clemson football, and he is a big reason why I remained a fan of the Tigers,” Traynum said. “I used to try to imitate his running ability in my own football games. I loved his speed and agility, and he made the games very exciting.”

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