Christian Wilkins drafted 13th by the Miami Dolphins, goes airborne on stage at the Draft

Former Clemson defensive lineman Christian Wilkins is officially off the NFL Draft board.

Clemson’s first ever William V. Campbell Trophy winner, the academic Heisman, has been selected thirteenth overall to the Miami Dolphins.  He’s the second Tiger to be drafted in this year’s NFL Draft.

Asked about the night Wilkins noted, “It’s everything I imagined. I just can’t wait to be a part of this league and be an ambassador for this league. This game so special. I love it so much, and it deserves to be played the right way and I’m gonna do that in the league. The Dolphins are going to get everything out of me.”

While at Clemson, Wilkins had a legendary four-year career. He was a Nagurski Trophy finalist and Bednarik Award finalist in 2018. Wilkins was a three-time All-American, the fifth unanimous All-American in school history. He played all over the place on the defensive line and was an integral part of the special teams.

He finished his career at Clemson with 59 games played, 45 of them being starts. He had 250 tackles, 41 tackles for loss, and 16 sacks. Wilkins even found the end zone on a couple of different occasions and was excited to head to South Beach.

“I’m ready to tear this lead up, become a part of something bigger than myself. Be accountable for everything and just make the Dolphins a better organization.”

Wilkins said his late grandfather was the biggest influence on his life.

“My grandfather, man. He was the biggest influence in my life. I’m so glad I had him in my life for 14 years, so each and every day I go on the field and honor him in everything that I do.”

The only thing that was missing on Draft Day was Wilkins doing an iconic split once his name was called. But of course, in a way only Wilkins could, the 315-pounder went airborne and bumped shoulders with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell in his white suit.

Never change, Christian Wilkins.