247Sports names two Tigers as potential 2024 DPOY/OPOY candidates

Since 2014, Clemson football has claimed seven ACC Offensive/Defensive Player of the Year awards, and it looks like it will have a couple more candidates this season.

For OPOY , Deshaun Watson won the award in 2015, Travis Etienne won back-to-back seasons in 2018-2019, and Trevor Lawrence won the following year in 2020. Two defensive ends and a linebacker earned the three DPOY awards, including Vic Beasley (2014), Clelin Ferrel (2018), and Isaiah Simmons (2019).

According to Grant Hughes, the Tigers have legitimate contenders for both honors this season. The first is quarterback Cade Klubnik. Last season wasn’t spectacular for the former five-star. He recorded 2,844 yards through the air for 19 touchdowns and nine interceptions, with a passer rating of 126.3. But with a returning offensive line and optimism for an improved wide receiver corps, Klubnik could have a breakout season.

Hughes wrote:

Three different Clemson quarterbacks have taken home ACC Player of the Year in the last decade, and Klubnik will look to add his name to the list in 2024. The former five-star recruit didn’t have the breakout sophomore season many expected last year, throwing for 2,844 yards and 19 touchdowns with nine interceptions. There’s hope Klubnik can take the next step as a junior with a re-tooled receivers room and after another offseason with offensive coordinator Garrett Riley.

For defense, Hughes chose LB Barrett Carter. Unlike Klubnik, Carter had a good Junior campaign with 62 total tackles, which was good enough for second on the team. He also had 3.5 sacks, a fumble recovery, and an interception. However, 2023 did take a small dip compared to his season before. On the other hand, with Jeremiah Trotter Jr. going pro, Carter is the top dog in the linebacker room.

On Carter, Hughes wrote:

Carter put together an All-ACC campaign in 2023 and surprised some around the conference when he opted to return for his senior season in 2024. He’s readying for one final audition for the NFL, and his draft stock will largely depend on his performance this fall. A heady player and supreme athlete, Carter racked up 62 tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks last season. He’s got the tools to make a run at ACC Defensive POTY in 2024.