There is no substitute for Christian Wilkins.
He eagerly flaunts his flamboyant personality, whether racing from the sideline to the end zone to celebrate every touchdown or standing in front of an elementary school class.
Wilkins serves as the anchor of the Clemson University defensive line. He is also a certified substitute teacher in the Oconee County school system.
Wilkins carries his cheerful attitude on practice fields to inject levity into a taxing regimen, on worksites to build homes for families with Habitat for Humanity and on charity walks for Colleges Against Cancer.
For his impact on the field, in the classroom and in the community, Wilkins was honored with the William V. Campbell Trophy. The New York Athletic Club presents the award annually to recognize “an individual as the absolute best in the country for his combined academic success, football performance and exemplary community leadership.”
During the National Football Foundation Awards Dinner in New York City on Tuesday night, Wilkins received a 25-pound trophy and a $25,000 postgraduate scholarship.
Wilkins graduated last December with a bachelor’s degree in communication studies. He earned a 3.33 grade point average and became the first Clemson scholarship football player to complete his bachelor’s degree in 2.5 years.
At the end of this month, Wilkins will walk across the graduation stage again with a master’s degree in athletic leadership.
Wilkins earned All-American honors in each of the previous three seasons. He will likely be named an All-American once more, after amassing 45 total tackles and 13.5 tackles for loss, including five sacks, this season. Wilkins also rushed for two touchdowns.
Wilkins is a member of the Clemson senior class that has compiled 53 wins, the most in Clemson and Atlantic Coast Conference history. The Tigers will chase their 54th win on Dec. 29 in the Cotton Bowl College Football Playoff Semifinal.
