The Big Weigh-In

By Philip Sikes, Athletic Communications

Twelve-thousand views in an hour.

That’s how many eyes directed to Clemson Football’s Facebook page for a live broadcast of “The Big Weigh-In.”

Yep, football is in the air in Tigertown.

Clemson players officially reported for camp on Monday, one day prior to putting on shorts for the first time in preparation for the 2016 season.

The Tigers — reigning No. 2 team in all of college football with a 14-1 record — begin a five-day acclimatization period on Tuesday. But before that, well over 100 players weighed in in front of head coach Dabo Swinney in the team’s strength training facility in the WestZone.

Several players caught the attention of coaches and teammates with their respective weights Monday. Heisman Trophy candidate Deshaun Watson, who enrolled at 182 pounds just two and a half years ago, was a chiseled 218. Mike Williams, a physical specimen at wideout, weighed 222. The Tiger linebackers looked the part, with Ben Boulware leading the way at 233.

But one player in particular made everyone take notice after assistant strength training coach Paul Hogan hollered out “Three forty-two” above the noise.

Freshman defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence looks anything but a rookie. As one longtime Clemson football support staffer noted moments after his weigh-in, “He’s Chester McGlockton. He is absolutely Chester McGlockton.” In case you’re wondering, the former defensive tackle standout who went on to a long NFL career weighed about 40 pounds less as a true freshman according to the 1988 football media guide.

A lot of eyes will be on Lawrence this fall, much like a lot of eyes were on Clemson’s Facebook Live post on Monday.

Wonder how many views it’ll have a full 24 hours from now?

Other notable weights:Tavien Feaster, RB – 207Wayne Gallman, RB – 210Hunter Renfrow, WR – 182Artavis Scott, WR – 193Carlos Watkins, DT – 303Christian Wilkins, DT – 300Kendall Joseph, LB – 229Tre Lamar, LB – 236Shaq Smith, LB – 235Jadar Johnson, S – 217Trayvon Mullen, DB – 187Tanner Muse, S – 216Isaiah Simmons, DB – 221Van Smith, S – 201