Two Tigers Ranked Among ESPN’s Top 100 Players of 2023
By: Staff Report January 4, 2024

With the college football season coming to a close, ESPN ranked the top 100 players of the 2023 campaign.

A couple of Clemson defensive stars, who are headed to the NFL, made the top 100. In fact, both are ranked among the top 60.

One of those is linebacker Jeremiah Trotter Jr., who checks in at No. 38.

A Butkus Award finalist and All-America selection by a slew of different outlets, Trotter was credited with a team-high 88 tackles, a team-best 15.0 tackles for loss, 5.5 sacks, two forced fumbles and two interceptions (including one he returned 28 yards for a touchdown) over 12 games (all starts) as a junior this season.

“Trotter was the physical and emotional leader of a Clemson defense that ranked second in efficiency in 2023,” ESPN wrote. “He led the Tigers with 88 tackles and 15 tackles for loss, along with 5.5 sacks, 2 INTs, 2 forced fumbles, 10 QB hurries and 5 pass breakups. It’s enough to ensure he’ll be among the first linebackers off the board in the 2024 NFL draft.”

Clemson cornerback Nate Wiggins is ranked 20 spots behind Trotter, coming in at No. 58 among ESPN’s top 100 players of 2023.

A first-team All-ACC selection as a junior this season, Wiggins was credited by the coaching staff with 25 tackles (one for loss), a team-high nine pass breakups, two forced fumbles, one sack and two interceptions (one of which he returned 46 yards for his second career touchdown) over 10 games (seven starts).

“Wiggins earned first-team All-ACC honors after emerging as one of the best cornerbacks in the country, with a team-high 9 pass breakups, 2 forced fumbles, 2 interceptions and 25 total tackles,” ESPN wrote. “His best game might have come against North Carolina, when he had eight tackles, forced a fumble on the goal line to prevent a touchdown and had a game-sealing interception on Drake Maye. Wiggins has already declared for the NFL draft. Kiper currently lists Wiggins as the No. 2 cornerback available.”

Following strong conclusions to their Clemson careers, Wiggins and Trotter will find out where they’re headed to play at the next level when the 2024 NFL Draft takes place April 25-27 in Detroit.