When Clemson heads to Austin to face Texas in the first round of the College Football Playoff, the Tigers will see a familiar face.

Former Clemson defensive back, Andrew Mukuba, who spent his first three seasons with the Tigers, is now a fixture on the backend of the Longhorns’ defense.

Dabo Swinney was asked about the upcoming reunion during a Zoom call after the playoff field was announced, with the head coach fondly remembering Mukuba’s time at Clemson. The former 4-star prospect was a member of the 2021 signing class meaning his recruitment took place while much of the country was shut down during COVID.

“Man I love him,” Swinney said during a CFP Zoom call on Sunday. “I never met him until the day he showed up on campus. He was never able to visit campus but he wanted to come to Clemson. I loved his spirit and loved his heart. He was a neat kid. That whole time was one of the strangest times in my life. Literally the first time I ever met him was when he got dropped off during all of these COVID protocols.”

It didn’t take Mukuba long to make his mark on the Tigers’ defense. He became the first true freshman defensive back to start a season opener for Clemson since the NCAA instituted permanent freshman eligibility in 1972

He went on to start 10 games that season, earning freshman All-American honors, as well as being named ACC Freshman of the Year. During his three-year career, Mukuba was credited with 149 tackles (4.5 for loss), a sack, 20 pass breakups, two fumble recoveries and an interception.

“He was a great player for us. He worked his butt off here. I wish he would have been able to finish here. He did everything we asked of him here. He made a bunch of big plays. I’m happy for him. He wanted a change and he had an opportunity to go back home. He’s an outstanding football player. I’m happy that he has been able to have a great year. I got nothing but great things to say about him.”

This season at Texas, Mukuba has appeared in all 12 games, with nine of those being starts. He has 52 tackles (4.0 for loss), four interceptions, 10 passes defended and a forced fumble.

A limited number of signed replica road signs from Cade Klubnik are available!  Visit Clemson Variety & Frame or purchase online!