Like every season, Clemson has to say goodbye to players who leave the team to pursue a career in the NFL. This year, Clemson has five notable players in the draft pool: Andrew Booth Jr., Mario Goodrich, Justyn Ross, James Skalski and Nolan Turner.
Although their time at Clemson is finished, the plays and moments they had as a Tiger will still be remembered.
Here are the most memorable moments from each player’s time at Clemson.
Andrew Booth Jr.: Immaculate interception
While at Clemson, Booth developed into a lockdown cornerback known for his coverage and high-flying interceptions. Before establishing himself as a household name, Booth had a memorable moment against Virginia in the 2020 season.
To start the third quarter, Virginia was marching down the field with hopes of scoring a touchdown to cut Clemson’s lead to seven points. On a first and ten at Clemson’s 19-yard line, Virginia quarterback Brennan Armstrong threw a lob pass to wide receiver Lavel Davis Jr.
Booth reeled his head and jumped in the air, catching a one-handed interception that had the nation buzzing.
That was the moment that Booth became the household name he is today.
Although their time at Clemson is finished, the plays and moments they had as a Tiger will still be remembered.
Here are the most memorable moments from each player’s time at Clemson.
Andrew Booth Jr.: Immaculate interception
While at Clemson, Booth developed into a lockdown cornerback known for his coverage and high-flying interceptions. Before establishing himself as a household name, Booth had a memorable moment against Virginia in the 2020 season.
To start the third quarter, Virginia was marching down the field with hopes of scoring a touchdown to cut Clemson’s lead to seven points. On a first and ten at Clemson’s 19-yard line, Virginia quarterback Brennan Armstrong threw a lob pass to wide receiver Lavel Davis Jr.
Booth reeled his head and jumped in the air, catching a one-handed interception that had the nation buzzing.
That was the moment that Booth became the household name he is today.
Mario Goodrich: Bowl game pick six
In his final season at Clemson, Goodrich emerged as a top defensive back in the ACC, which was exemplified in the Tigers’ Cheez-It Bowl victory over Iowa State.
With just over four minutes left in the third quarter, Goodrich caught a batted pass from Iowa State quarterback Brock Purdy and returned it for an 18-yard pick six, giving Clemson a 20-3 lead.
At the end of the game, Iowa State attempted to march down the field to tie the game. Goodrich had other plans, forcing Purdy to fumble the ball on a fourth-down conversion and securing Goodrich the MVP of the game.
Justyn Ross: Playoff heroics
From the very beginning of his Clemson career, Ross had a monumental impact on Clemson’s success and played a vital role in the Tigers’ 2018 National Championship.
After reeling in six catches for 148 yards and two touchdowns against Notre Dame in the semifinals of the 2018 College Football Playoff, Ross added six catches for 153 yards and a touchdown against Alabama in the National Championship.
Although each of his 12 catches in the playoffs had an impact, the one that stuck in the minds of many was the 16-yard, one-handed catch at the end of the third quarter against Alabama to give Clemson a first down.
In his final season at Clemson, Goodrich emerged as a top defensive back in the ACC, which was exemplified in the Tigers’ Cheez-It Bowl victory over Iowa State.
With just over four minutes left in the third quarter, Goodrich caught a batted pass from Iowa State quarterback Brock Purdy and returned it for an 18-yard pick six, giving Clemson a 20-3 lead.
At the end of the game, Iowa State attempted to march down the field to tie the game. Goodrich had other plans, forcing Purdy to fumble the ball on a fourth-down conversion and securing Goodrich the MVP of the game.
Justyn Ross: Playoff heroics
From the very beginning of his Clemson career, Ross had a monumental impact on Clemson’s success and played a vital role in the Tigers’ 2018 National Championship.
After reeling in six catches for 148 yards and two touchdowns against Notre Dame in the semifinals of the 2018 College Football Playoff, Ross added six catches for 153 yards and a touchdown against Alabama in the National Championship.
Although each of his 12 catches in the playoffs had an impact, the one that stuck in the minds of many was the 16-yard, one-handed catch at the end of the third quarter against Alabama to give Clemson a first down.
Nolan Turner: Game-winning interception
After only having one Power Five scholarship, from Clemson, Turner grew into a starting safety for the Tigers. Throughout his five-year Clemson career, Turner was a part of many great wins, including two National Championship berths and four ACC championships.
In 2019, Turner made the biggest play of his career against Ohio State in the semifinals of the College Football Playoff, intercepting Ohio State quarterback Justin Fields.
With 43 seconds left in the game, Ohio State was 28 yards away from scoring a game-tying touchdown. On a second and seven, Fields scanned the field for wide receiver Chris Olave. Olave turned the opposite direction as Fields threw to the endzone, allowing Turner to seal the game with his interception.
After only having one Power Five scholarship, from Clemson, Turner grew into a starting safety for the Tigers. Throughout his five-year Clemson career, Turner was a part of many great wins, including two National Championship berths and four ACC championships.
In 2019, Turner made the biggest play of his career against Ohio State in the semifinals of the College Football Playoff, intercepting Ohio State quarterback Justin Fields.
With 43 seconds left in the game, Ohio State was 28 yards away from scoring a game-tying touchdown. On a second and seven, Fields scanned the field for wide receiver Chris Olave. Olave turned the opposite direction as Fields threw to the endzone, allowing Turner to seal the game with his interception.
James Skalski: Seasons of consistency
For Skalski, it’s difficult to pick one play or one moment that embodies his career at Clemson. In six seasons Skalski won two National Championships, five College Football Playoffs and five ACC championships.
His entire career was his one memorable moment. Fans will remember him for his work ethic and for being the glue to Clemson’s success on defense.
For Skalski, it’s difficult to pick one play or one moment that embodies his career at Clemson. In six seasons Skalski won two National Championships, five College Football Playoffs and five ACC championships.
His entire career was his one memorable moment. Fans will remember him for his work ethic and for being the glue to Clemson’s success on defense.
