Tigers Today: Matt Bockhorst named semifinalist for Campbell Trophy

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Matt Bockhorst named semifinalist for Campbell Trophy

Matt Bockhorst has turned into the emotional leader of Clemson’s offensive line. Despite playing left guard for most of his career, the senior transitioned to center this offseason. And while the adjustments has come with its ups and downs, there’s no question the 6-foot-4, 315-pound offensive lineman has been a positive this season.

He was named a semifinalist for the Campbell Trophy on Wednesday. The award is given to  an individual as the absolute best football scholar-athlete in the nation for his combined academic success, football performance and exemplary leadership.

Despite Clemson’s bumpy 2-2 start to the season, he has been a constant force on the offensive line. He’s trying to uphold the Tigers standard, even though the goals for this season might not be met.

“I know that there’s a standard here,” he said earlier this month. “There’s a standard that’s been set by the guys before us. And we owe something to that standard. I’m not gonna relent on that and I’m not gonna let those guys down. Because I know what they gave. The guys that came before us, I know what they sacrificed. I know what that looks like.”

Clemson will probably miss out on the College Football Playoff this season. But the Tigers’ goal of defending their ACC championship is still intact. Matt Bockhorst’s leadership is a reason why they still have a shot.

Paul Finebaum critical of Clemson, Dabo Swinney for early struggles

Paul Finebaum believes college football is watching the fall of the Clemson in real-time. On Wednesday morning’s Get Up, Finebaum declared Dabo Swinney’s long-standing dynasty to be over-with.

“Dabo’s dynasty is done,” Finebaum stated. “I do not like anything I see there … they lost one coach (Jeff Scott) a couple years ago to USF, I think that was a big loss. This is a staff that has always been together, but I think it’s getting stale. 

“Yes, recruiting is still good — but will it be elite after what we just got through watching? It just doesn’t look like Clemson is part of the cool kids anymore. I think they’re going to pay for it in recruiting. And they play in a terrible league which will hurt them even more.”

2023 LB Drayk Bowen recaps Clemson trip, gives thoughts on defense

A decision date has not yet been set in stone, but 2023 linebacker Drayk Bowen is aware of when he’d ideally like to narrow his options down to one.

Bowen currently has a top five that features Auburn, Clemson, Indiana, LSU and Notre Dame. His goal is check out each of these schools this fall, then hopefully start the process of making his decision.

The first stop for Bowen this season was Clemson for its Sept. 18 victory over Georgia Tech, which ended with a goal line stand by James Skalski. Bowen caught up with ClemsonSports.com senior recruiting reporter Joseph Hastings to break down his visit and what he likes about the Tigers.

2022 TE Oscar Delp talks about Clemson ahead of upcoming decision

Oct. 13, 2021.

This is when Cumming (Georgia) West Forsyth High School product Oscar Delp will commit. Delp will choose from a list that includes Clemson, Michigan, South Carolina, and the in-state Georgia Bulldogs.

As for why Clemson remains a finalist for him, Delp cited the coaching staff at the school and their winning pedigree. He talked about all that and more with ClemsonSports.com senior recruiting reporter Joseph Hastings.

READ: 2022 TE Oscar Delp talks about Clemson ahead of upcoming decision

Counting down

• Clemson at South Carolina: 59 days