Oct. 17, 2011
Sammy Watkins, Football, Freshman, Fort Myers, FL
Watkins had a school record 345 all-purpose yards in the Tigers come-from-behind win over Maryland, the fourth highest total in ACC history. He had five kickoff returns for 207 yards, eight catches for 105 yards and a 33-yard rush in his only carry. The 207 kickoff return yards included an 89-yard return for a touchdown to put Clemson in the lead in the fourth quarter, 49-45, and a 70-yard return that set up a score in the first half. He also had two touchdown receptions, giving him nine for the year, third best in the nation. Watkins tied the Clemson freshman record for touchdowns in a game with three and set the school record for receiving yards in a season by a freshman with 728.
Watkins earned Atlantic Coast Conference Receiver of the Week and Rookie of the Week honors for his performance, and was named the Paul Hornung Award Co-Player of the Week. He swept the Rivals.com weekly awards, earning the publication’s National Player of the Week, National Freshman of the Week and ACC Player of the Week awards.
December 4, 2024
