Clemson safety Lannden Zanders stepping away from football

Clemson safety Lannden Zanders announced Wednesday afternoon that he is retiring from football.

The North Carolina native made the decision after dealing with several injuries throughout his college career.

“After battling three shoulder injuries in the span of a year, including playing through the 2020 season with a torn labrum and missing most of last season after getting hurt in the season opener, I have made the incredibly difficult decision to step away from playing the game I love,” Zanders said in a statement.

Zanders appeared in 25 games during his time with the Tigers, making 10 starts in his career.

His most successful season game in 2020 when he started nine games and finished with 34 tackles, including 2.5 for loss.

Zanders was expected to provide depth for Clemson behind Andrew Mukuba and Jalyn Phillips in 2022.

“While I’ve worked hard with our trainers and doctors to return to the field, I just do not believe I am physically able to be the kind of player I have always prided myself on being,” Zanders said. “Though I am disappointed I will not play football again, I leave the game with no regrets.”

Zanders signed with Clemson as a three-star recruit in the class of 2019.

He played high school football at Crest High and was recruited to Clemson by safeties coach Mickey Conn.

Zanders was an immediate contributor for the Tigers in 2019, appearing in 14 games and recording 21 tackles as Clemson won the ACC championship and reached the College Football Playoff.