Shipley and Trotter Jr. named Preseason All-Americans by The Sporting News
The Clemson Tigers will kick off their season on Labor Day with a primetime battle at Duke. Looking to defend yet another ACC title, Clemson returns a strong amount of talent from last year's squad that is looking to take the next step and reach the College Football Playoff.
Among that group are two talented juniors; linebacker Jeremiah Trotter Jr. and running back Will Shipley. Both were just named to The Sporting News Preseason All-American First Team.
Jeremiah Trotter Jr. (Clemson Athletics)
Trotter Jr. is back to head up Clemson's defense once again after leading the Tigers in tackles in 2022. He also led Clemson in tackles for loss (13.5) and was named a Second Team AP All-American. His three sacks against North Carolina were an ACC Championship game record.
As for Shipley, the former 5-star recruit is looking to continue his upward trajectory as he finds his role in new offensive coordinator Garrett Riley's offense. After posting 739 rushing yards as a freshman, Shipley broke out for 1,424 total yards in 2022, including 15 touchdowns. Look for both of those numbers to go up as Riley utilizes Shipley in a variety of ways this coming fall.
Notably absent from both the first and second teams were linebacker Barrett Carter and defensive lineman Tyler Davis. Carter is arguably the best linebacker prospect in the upcoming NFL Draft and has the production to match, while Davis has already earned three All-ACC accolades and is back for his fifth year of college football.
