Tigers Today: Country music star, Gamecocks fan Darius Rucker attends Trevor Lawrence draft party

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Country music artist Darius Rucker attends Trevor Lawrence draft party

Trevor Lawrence opted to celebrate NFL Draft night in Clemson, not making the trip to Cleveland, where the draft is being hosted.

The former Tigers quarterback had family and friends over to celebrate his No. 1 overall selection by the Jacksonville Jaguars. Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney was in the house, along with country music artist Darius Rucker.

Yes, the former lead vocalist for Hootie & the Blowfish and notable South Carolina Gamecock fan helped Lawrence take in the news. Rucker is a member of the MGC Sports Agency, which helps athletes acclimate to money and fame. Lawrence is a client.

Lawrence heard his name called first on Thursday night, becoming the only player in school history to ever be taken with the top pick in the NFL Draft. He now heads to Jacksonville, where he teams up with first-year coach Urban Meyer.

Travis Etienne, Trevor Lawrence reuniting in Jacksonville

Trevor Lawrence and Travis Etienne starred together in Clemson’s backfield for three seasons. Now the two are teaming up in Jacksonville.

The most prolific running back in ACC history was selected with the 25th overall pick by the Jaguars on Thursday night, about three hours after Lawrence became the first first-overall pick in Clemson history. With the duo being selected by Jacksonville in the first round, it becomes the first quarterback-running back duo from a school ever drafted by the same team in the opening round of an NFL Draft in the common draft era.

Thought by some as the top back in his draft class, Etienne was the second running back taken off the board on Thursday night. A pick before, the Pittsburgh Steelers drafted Alabama’s Najee Harris.

Now, the electric Clemson duo is headed to the NFL together.

Notable Tigers still on the board entering Day Two

As the NFL Draft enters Day Two, three former Clemson players are still on the board. Offensive linemen Jackson Carman and wide receivers Amari Rodgers and Cornell Powell could all hear their names called on Friday.

Rodgers became Trevor Lawrence’s top target this past season, resulting in a selection to the All-ACC first-team. He is considered to be one of the best slot receivers in this year’s draft class. With Justyn Ross out and Tee Higgins gone to the NFL, Powell stepped up in a big way with 53 receptions for 882 yards and seven receiving touchdowns this past season.

Starting at left tackle, Carman gave the Tigers some stability on the edge. He was named a second-team All-American and second-team All-ACC selection, eventually declaring for the draft after his junior year.

Rounds Two and Three will be on Friday starting at 7 p.m. All three Clemson products could be taken, although Rodgers and Carman are considered the most likely.