There have been a number of prolific tight ends to have come through Clemson University since the football program was first established. One of the most recent success stories, Dwayne Allen, won the John Mackey Award in his time as a Tiger and has now been active in the NFL for five years.

However, there is one tight end from the 2016 National Championship team that has surpassed most of the records formerly held by Allen. Jordan Leggett played a crucial role in building the success of Clemson’s program all the way through the final drive in the national championship victory over Alabama.

Leggett’s impressive 17-yd reception put Clemson at the nine-yard line with 19 seconds remaining on the clock and will be a grab that will be remembered fondly by Clemson fans long after he is gone.

But Leggett made impressionable plays throughout the entire 2016 season, providing Clemson with the big plays necessary to advance to the national title game. The Florida native averaged 16 yards per reception in 2016 and left Clemson with record book numbers. In his four years, he racked up a record 112 receptions for a record 1,618 yards and a record 18 touchdowns.

In his 2016 season alone, Leggett had 46 receptions for a season record of 736 yards and seven touchdowns. His total yards fell second on the team to wide receiver Mike Williams and he recorded the third-most touchdowns in the championship season.

Last season, Leggett was one of three finalists named for the 2015 John Mackey Award after finishing third on the team with 40 catches for 525 yards and eight touchdowns. The current All-American could have easily left Clemson to pursue a career in the NFL after he helped lead the Tigers to a national championship appearance, but he was determined to achieve more.

“I’m really excited to have one more chance at this,” Leggett said after Clemson’s second practice of fall camp. “We were so close in the national championship, and with all the guys coming back, I feel like we have the opportunity to do it again.”

This past December, Leggett graduated from Clemson University and a couple weeks later, he capitalized on his second chance. While he may not have won the Mackey Award at Clemson, Leggett earned a college degree, two ACC Championships, and the right to be called a permanent captain of the 2016 National Championship team – an honor that is voted on by all of the players.

“There is a lot more to these kids than just playing football,” tight end and special teams coach Danny Pearman said, “When those kids get those awards by their peers, those are always the most meaningful to them.”

Leggett will now enter the 2017 NFL draft as one of the top tight ends in the nation, an All-American, a Clemson record-breaker, a college graduate, a respected team captain, and a national champion. That’s a pretty good way to go out.

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