Who are the top 25 most important players returning for the 2016 football season? The Clemson Insider concludes its countdown as we look at the most important players currently on Clemson’s roster as the Tigers now begin the off-season and work towards spring practice which will begin in March.

Today, we finish with numbers 1-5 on our list.

1. Deshaun Watson, junior, QB: Watson perhaps had its Heisman moment for the 2016 season in the last game of the 2015 season. The Clemson quarterback put on the greatest show by a quarterback ever in the title game with his 478 total yards (405 passing) and four touchdowns against Alabama. It goes without saying Watson is the best player on the Tigers’ roster, as well as the most important. Ask yourself this question – would Clemson made it to Glendale without No. 4? And that leads us to the No. 2 most important player on the roster.
2. Mitch Hyatt, sophomore, LT: If Deshaun Watson is the most important player on the team then obviously the guy who has his back both literally and figuratively is the next most important guy. Hyatt proved why he was called one of the top two tackles coming out of high school last season. As a true freshman he more than held his own as he earned Freshman All-American status, and more importantly never had his name called out in a negative light during a game or by the media during the season. He played a big role in why the Tigers have averaged 223.0 yards per game and allowed just 18 sacks in 15 games.
3. Carlos Watkins, senior, DT: On a defensive front that is loaded with talent at defensive tackle, Watkins is perhaps the best player of them all. His journey to get there, however, is the story. Two years ago, following a tragic car accident, many wondered if he would ever be the same player again. But he slowly worked himself back into football shape, got back in the flow of things and has become an All-ACC defensive tackle. In 2015 Watkins started all 15 games, while totaling 67 tackles, including seven tackles for loss despite being doubled team on almost every play. He also broke up three passes, returned an interception for a touchdown, had 3.5 sacks and was credited with seven quarterback pressures.
4. Ben Boulware, senior, LB: Boulware is one of those players every coach longs to have. He plays with a high motor, he is easy to coach, he plays with good technique and fundamentals and more importantly, he makes plays. Just think about how many times Boulware ran through the line this past year and knocked down a pass. His interception in the Orange Bowl sealed the Tigers win over Oklahoma. He finished the year second on the team with 135 tackles. He had eight tackles for loss including 3.5 sacks. He also tied seven PBUs, while recording a team-high 23 quarterback pressures.
5. Wayne Gallman, junior, RB: Gallman’s emergence as a dependable runner is why Clemson’s offense took off to new heights in 2015. With defenses having to worry about his ability to run for 5.4 yards per carry, it opened up other things in the offense, especially Watson, who became the first quarterback to throw for 4,000 yards and run for 1,000 more in the same season. Gallman finished the year with a school-record 1,527 yards and a team-high 13 rushing touchdowns. Nine times he went over the 100-yard mark, which allowed the Tigers to average 223.0 yards per game – the highest per game rushing average in 20 years by a Clemson offense.

If you haven’t already order your copy today of Guts & Glory – Tales of Clemson’s Historic 2015 Football Season to help you celebrate and remember this special season.