Two More Clemson Rookies Make Things Official
By: Staff Report May 17, 2024

Two more 2024 Clemson draft picks have made things official with their new NFL team.

This week, the Philadelphia Eagles announced that former Tiger linebacker Jeremiah Trotter Jr. and former Tiger running back Will Shipley have signed their rookie contracts.

Shipley was selected by the Eagles in the fourth round (127th overall) of April’s draft, before Philadelphia took Trotter in the fifth round (155th overall).

With the Eagles drafting the Clemson duo, the Tigers have now had a pair of teammates selected by a single team in seven of the last 10 NFL Drafts.

Shipley concluded his prolific Clemson career (2021-23) in the top 10 in school history in total touchdowns (33), rushing touchdowns (31), 100-yard rushing games (10), all-purpose yards (4,253) and kickoff return yards (904). He also finished ranked 11th in rushing yards (2,747).

In 2023, Shipley became the ninth player in school history to score 30 career touchdowns and the eighth player at Clemson ever to rush for 30 touchdowns. He finished last season with 827 rushing yards and five rushing touchdowns on 167 carries to go with 31 catches for 244 yards and two receiving scores in 12 games.

Trotter Jr. finished his acclaimed Clemson career with 202 tackles, 29.5 tackles for loss, 13 sacks, 13 pass breakups, three forced fumbles and four interceptions (including two returned for touchdowns) over 39 career games from 2021-23.

In 2023, Trotter again earned All-America status from numerous outlets and was a Butkus Award finalist. He was credited with a team-high 88 tackles, a team-best 15.0 tackles for loss, 5.5 sacks, six pass breakups, two forced fumbles and two interceptions (including a pick-six) over 12 games as a junior.

Now that Trotter and Shipley have put pen to paper, all six of Clemson’s 2024 draft picks have signed their rookie deals, including cornerback Nate Wiggins (Round 1, Baltimore Ravens), defensive tackle Ruke Orhorhoro (Round 2, Atlanta Falcons), edge rusher Xavier Thomas (Round 5, Arizona Cardinals) and defensive tackle Tyler Davis (Round 6, Los Angeles Rams).

Davis’ selection at No. 196 gave Clemson six top-200 picks in this draft, tying a school record set seven previous times.

The six selections, including one first-round pick, give Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney 83 draft picks in his head coaching tenure, including 18 first-round picks. Swinney leads all active coaches in both categories since the first NFL Draft of his tenure in April 2009.

A limited number of signed footballs from Clemson’s 2022 class are still available.  Get yours while supplies last!  Visit Clemson Variety & Frame or purchase online!