When Clemson announced that offensive lineman John Simpson and safety Tanner Muse, there was an outcry from some in the media profession that quarterback Trevor Lawrence would not be making the trip to Charlotte to answer questions from national, regional and local media. No less than ESPN broadcaster Paul Finebaum criticized the choice of leaving Lawrence in Clemson.
But what many in the national media may not have realized is that the philosophy of head coach Dabo Swinney is to bring seniors to the event. That meant safety Tanner Muse and offensive lineman John Simpson were at The Westin Hotel in Charlotte for the annual preseason media gathering. But Simpson had some fun, while perhaps sending a subtle message to those in the press, as he sported a blonde wig and referred himself as "John Simpson - John Lawrence - Trevor Lawrence - whatever you want to call me".
The Fort Dorchester graduate may not have started the week as a media favorite. But he certainly had that title after his new look triggered an immediate reaction on all platforms.
Clemson safety Tanner Muse credits Swinney with the idea.
"Coach Swinney, we were on the plane the other day," Muse explained.
"He goes, 'I've got a surprise for ya'll. This is going to go quote unquote viral', he calls it. I don't know if he really knows what viral is, but he's doing his best. But everybody wanted Trevor, so we gave them a taste of Trevor."