NASCAR reps attend Clemson Pro Day to scout pit crew talent

With the 2025 NFL Combine in the books, individual programs around the country are hosting their annual pro days. But there’s an interesting wrinkle at Clemson this year.

Some scouts are there for players who might have a career outside of football. NASCAR scouts.

According to Jon Blau of The Post and Courier, all 32 NFL teams were represented at Thursday’s Pro Day at Clemson. There were also NASCAR representatives looking for future jack men, fuel men and tire changers, among other roles.

While it’s no secret in NASCAR circles that many former college and pro football players end up in racing, that might not be common knowledge to most college football fans. And certainly those auditioning at the Pro Day on Thursday are hoping that would only emerge as a backup option to football.

Still, it is a very realistic career track for many. Dozens of former players litter the NASCAR ranks.

One is Blaine Anderson, a front tire changer for Kyle Larson‘s crew. Larson is one of the best drivers on the NASCAR circuit, though he’s run into some early issues this season.

Anderson is a former walk-on football player and national champion at Alabama, where he was part of a national championship squad. Last fall, a USA broadcast during a race helped put a spotlight on a guy who normally does a lot of the gritty work behind the scenes for Larson.

“Blaine was a football player at Alabama, actually walked on for coach (Nick) Saban and these shots are from the 2015 national championship game,” the broadcast noted as it showed pictures of Anderson celebrating a title. “He was a safety and also a special teams player.”

Now he’s a front tire changer for Larson, hauling heavy tires and slinging them around on the track. It’s a job that takes a lot of physical ability. To that end, Anderson has been well prepared.

“But he gives credit to Scott Cochran, who he tells me is the most famous strength coach in college football,” the broadcast said. “He said he’s the one who told me try NASCAR after your football career, and he’s still here years later.”

Could a current Clemson football star be the next to find a career in NASCAR? Don’t rule it out, especially after Thursday’s Pro Day.