Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic

Clemson defensive tackle Christian Wilkins’ celebrated his school-record-breaking 58^th game of his college career at the Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic. During his tenure with the Tigers, he became one of the most beloved figures in Clemson history as well as one of the most decorated scholar-athletes in college football.
 
The National Football Foundation & College Hall of Fame announced Wilkins as the recipient of the 2018 William V. Campbell Trophy, which annually recognizes an individual as the best football scholar-athlete in the nation.
 
In addition to winning the Campbell Trophy, Wilkins was honored as the fourth Clemson player all-time to be selected to the NFF Scholar-Athlete Class, joining quarterback Jimmy Bell (1964), quarterback Steve Fuller (1978) and center Kyle Young (2001). Candidates were seniors or graduate students in their final year of playing eligibility, had a GPA of at least 3.2 on a 4.0 scale, had outstanding football ability as a first-team player or significant contributor and had demonstrated strong leadership and citizenship.
 
In addition to his prolific on-field accomplishments throughout a career that already included multiple All-America and All-ACC selections, Wilkins excelled academically in his time at Clemson. He earned a degree in communications and became the first scholarship Tiger football player to graduate in two-and-a-half years. He went on to pursue a graduate degree in athletic leadership.
 
Wilkins also was a staple in the Clemson community in both professional and volunteer roles. During the offseason, he worked as a substitute teacher in local schools, citing his desire to provide inspiration and guidance to young students. In addition, he volunteered his time and efforts for service projects such as Habitat for Humanity, the Clemson Miracle Fundraiser, Colleges Against Cancer Relay for Life and the “Kicks, Cleats, Kids” initiative, among others.