It never fails, we wait all summer for college football season to get here then we blink, and it's nearly gone. Even in the midst of the run like Clemson's, when the bye week hits, radio hosts have to navigate shows without an opponent to button up the week.
After a few days, fans were done griping and complaining about Clemson's loss to Syracuse. It was time to move on, but without an upcoming opponent, the radio show took a turn of its own. During Thursday's episode, I somehow stumbled into a conversation about Clemson's Mt. Rushmore.
Now I'm sure this is a topic that Clemson fans probably discussed driving up I-4 following Clemson's 35-31 victory over Alabama in the national championship game.
I don't remember hitting on that issue previously because I, much like you, was caught up in the satisfaction of hoisting the college football national championship.
But Thursday as I started to dive into the topic on the air, I came to a realization. My Mt. Rushmore of Clemson football before 2014 may have changed significantly over the past 39 months.
Looking back on where I was before the 2014 season, I don't think there was a question in my mind of who was on my Mt. Rushmore of Clemson football.
In no particular order, I would have had Frank Howard as one of the four faces. Given his influence on Clemson's football history and the legacy of Howard's Rock, how could Howard have been denied? His winning percentage isn't stellar at .670, but he was Clemson's head coach from 1940-1969 and also served as head baseball coach (1943) and athletic director until 1971.
I don't know that there's a more synonymous phrase with Clemson football than Howards, “If you’re going to give me 110 percent, you can rub my rock. But if you’re not, keep your filthy hands off my rock.”
The next face that would have been there before 2014 would be Banks McFadden. McFadden is widely considered to be the greatest athlete in Clemson University history, lettering in three sports (football, basketball, and track).
Perhaps Clemson's first real star, McFadden was named as the Associated Press' "Athlete of the Year." McFadden was drafted fourth overall in the NFL draft and was a two-time All-American in basketball.
When I think back to my youth, I picture Danny Ford on the sidelines at Clemson in a Block C hat, chewing on the grass, kneeling during a home game. The aura and respect as a child that I had for Danny Ford was unparalleled. Ford is a Clemson football legend. When I run into him at Clemson, I'm overcome with the feelings of my youth. He's almost mythical.
Before C.J. Spiller arrived at Clemson in 2009, I don't know who I would have had fourth on this list, perhaps William "The Refrigerator" Perry because of his athleticism at over 300 lbs and his larger-than-life personality.
My argument for C.J. Spiller in 2014 was simple. He changed Clemson. C.J. Spiller was the type of player that Clemson had always "just missed" on. And to watch Spiller throughout his career, the way he handled himself both on and off the field was a sight to behold.
Fast forward to Thursday, when topics began to get slim. I started to think of the faces on my Mt. Rushmore..
Who's the legend that now slides off?
I'd argue one if not two of my Mt. Rushmore faces have to updated.
Dabo Swinney’s back-to-back runs to the national championship game and a national title are easily the two greatest consecutive seasons in Clemson football history. Not to mention numerous bowl victories over marque programs, on the biggest stage, like Ohio State, LSU, Florida State, Oklahoma, and Alabama.
I remember a show several months ago when the argument was made that Dabo Swinney has already become the greatest head coach in Clemson football history. It's hard to argue against that.
If that's the case, how can two former coaches be ahead of Swinney?
Then we have to deal with Deshaun Watson. I can confirm that I said more than once, "C.J. Spiller is the greatest Clemson football player I've ever seen." I couldn't tell C.J. Spiller that today.
While I was caught up in the allure of Sammy Watkins throughout his career, at no point did I believe he was better than C.J. Spiller.
I cannot say the same for Watson. In all of my years, watching game after game I have yet to witness a player better at Clemson University. Much like Spiller, the way Watson's represents himself on and off the field only enhances his status.
His performances in crucial moments on the field are unmatched in Clemson's history.
The stage was never too big for Deshaun Watson and had he chosen to stay at Clemson for his senior season, Clemson would have been the favorite to win another national title.
Watson is the greatest Clemson football player I have ever seen. I'd say he is the greatest player in Clemson history. That means I have to make room for him on my Mt. Rushmore as well.
The adjustments weren't fun, but I feel the selections I made will stand up until the next great player or coach can surpass one of the members of my new Mt. Rushmore of Clemson football.
I'd be interested to hear who you would have on your current Mt. Rushmore of Clemson football. How did I do?
