Tag: James Skalski

Pair of Clemson specialists heading to NFL camp

Tack on two more Tigers to the list of potential players to make an NFL roster next season.

Two more Tigers are headed to the NFL after former Clemson punter Will Spiers and long snapper Jack Maddox received invitations to rookie minicamp.

According to Aaron Wilson of Pro Football Network, Spiers received an invitation from the Green Bay Packers, while Maddox received an invitation from the New York Giants. Both Green Bay and New York’s camps will take place from May 14 to 15.

Starting in 69 games for the Tigers, Spiers played at Clemson for six seasons. Meanwhile, Maddox played for five seasons and, like Spiers, was a walk-on that eventually earned a scholarship.

Spiers and Maddox’s invitations come hours after undrafted free agent and former Clemson wide receiver Justyn Ross signed with the Kansas City Chiefs. The two specialists also join safety Nolan Turner, linebacker James Skalski, Braden Galloway and cornerback Mario Goodrich as undrafted Tigers to receive an opportunity in the NFL.

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James Skalski sings UDFA deal

Skalski is getting his chance in the pros

Former Clemson linebacker James Skalski may have gone undrafted in the 2022 NFL draft, but he will still get his opportunity to make it in the league.

It looks like Skalski will get his first shot to make an NFL roster with the Indianapolis Colts, who picked him up on a UDFA deal.

Skalski has been a staple of the Clemson defense for the past few seasons spending six great years with the Tigers. Tied for a school-record 69 games played, Skalski is a two-time captain who put together 310 career total tackles to go along with 10.0 sacks and 20.5 tackles for loss.

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Skalski signs Free Agent Deal

James Skalski will get his chance to make a National Football League roster. The former Clemson linebacker has signed a free agent contract. The Clemson Insider has confirmed that James Skalski has signed a free agent deal with the Indianapolis …

James Skalski will get his chance to make a National Football League roster.  The former Clemson linebacker has signed a free agent contract.

The Clemson Insider has confirmed that James Skalski has signed a free agent deal with the Indianapolis Colts.

Skalski was a two-year team captain who completed his six-year career spanning 2016-21 credited with 310 career tackles (20.5 tackles for loss), 10.0 sacks, 12 pass breakups and two fumble recoveries.  He played in 69 career games for the Tigers which tied for the school record.

Where are former Tigers in ESPN’s latest 7-round mock draft, final draft rankings?

With the 2022 NFL Draft set to get underway with the first round on Thursday in Las Vegas, ESPN NFL Draft analysts have released their latest mock draft and final draft rankings. ESPN’s Matt Miller published a seven-round mock draft (subscription …

With the 2022 NFL Draft set to get underway with the first round on Thursday in Las Vegas, ESPN NFL Draft analysts have released their latest mock draft and final draft rankings.

ESPN’s Matt Miller published a seven-round mock draft (subscription required) on Tuesday and has Clemson cornerback Andrew Booth Jr. going to the New England Patriots with the 21st overall pick in the first round.

“Booth could be the replacement for J.C. Jackson, and he could be the steal of the cornerback class here,” Miller wrote. “Booth’s Clemson tape shows a tough technician who is quick, fluid and agile. He has also shown versatility in a diverse defensive scheme.

“The Patriots have needs at wide receiver and linebacker, but Booth’s value and the importance of the position make him an easy pick.”

Miller’s mock draft sees Clemson wide receiver Justyn Ross teaming up with fellow former Tiger wideout Mike Williams with the Los Angeles Chargers, as he projects Ross to go to the Chargers in Round 5 (No. 160 overall pick).

Miller, meanwhile, projects Clemson cornerback Mario Goodrich to come off the board in the sixth round to the Houston Texans with the 205th overall selection.

ESPN NFL Draft analysts Todd McShay and Mel Kiper released their final Big Boards for the 2022 draft class this week.

McShay has Booth ranked as the No. 27 overall prospect, while Kiper has him ranked lower at No. 39.

McShay’s final draft rankings (subscription required) slot Ross as the 150th-best prospect, while he has Goodrich ranked No. 225 and linebackers James Skalski and Baylon Spector at No. 318 and No. 355, respectively.

As for Kiper’s final draft rankings (subscription required), he has Ross ranked at No. 136 overall and Goodrich at No. 155 overall, while he pegs Skalski as the No. 25 inside linebacker, Spector as the No. 19 outside linebacker and Nolan Turner as the 28th-best safety.

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‘Comparison is the thief of joy’: Skalski offers parting advice for Clemson’s ‘backers

James Skalski will soon begin life after Clemson, but the Tigers’ former linebacker has some words of advice for the younger players at the position on his way out. “You don’t want to emulate me,” Skalski recently told The Clemson Insider. “I think …

James Skalski will soon begin life after Clemson, but the Tigers’ former linebacker has some words of advice for the younger players at the position on his way out.

“You don’t want to emulate me,” Skalski recently told The Clemson Insider. “I think you want to be yourself as much as possible. I live by the saying, comparison is the thief of joy. For any young player who envies me maybe or wants to be the next me, don’t. Because you’re not.”

Skalski said he learned that from another former Clemson linebacker, Ben Boulware, a starter on the Tigers’ 2016 national championship team. Then a true freshman, Skalski looked up to Boulware as a similarly undersized player at the Mike linebacker spot – both are 6-foot – but Skalski said Boulware taught him a valuable lesson.

“I was one of those guys that wanted to be like him, and I kind of took his advice of just making (the position) your own,” Skalski said. “He kind of made it seem possible to me, seeing a guy like that do it.”

Skalski eventually morphed into the heart and soul of one of the country’s top defenses as Clemson’s starting Mike linebacker the last three seasons. He led the Tigers with 100 tackles last season and finished with 310 for his career, which spanned 69 games over six seasons. It’s tied for the most games played in program history.

Now Skalski is hoping to hear his name called during this week’s NFL Draft while his former teammates began competing to be his successor this spring. Rising juniors Lavonta Bentley and Keith Maguire and sophomore Jeremiah Trotter are vying to fill the void left by Skalski and exited the spring essentially deadlocked at the position, though Maguire and Trotter got the starting nod for each defense in the spring game (Bentley repped at Will ‘backer).

Maguire paced the Orange team with seven tackles while Trotter had three stops and a pass breakup, but the competition will start up again in earnest this fall. And there are a few things Skalski wants all of them to remember when it does.

“You’re never going to be me, but you can be the best you. And I think that goes way further,” Skalski said. “Just completely believing in yourself and your ability and making the position your own and making it unique in your own way. I think I’ve done a good job with that, and I think a lot of players that have come through have done a great job with that. So any young guy who‘s looking to do the same, just be yourself. Be your own.”

Staffer Mary Dentremont contributed to this story.

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Late father’s influence has Skalski thinking of ‘dream team’ ahead of NFL Draft

For former Clemson linebacker James Skalski, there are three people that have impacted his football career the most. One is his former defensive coordinator, Brent Venables, whom Skalski credited with helping him better understand the game and …

For former Clemson linebacker James Skalski, there are three people that have impacted his football career the most.

One is his former defensive coordinator, Brent Venables, whom Skalski credited with helping him better understand the game and “seeing it in a way I never knew was out there.” Another is one of his former teammates, Ben Boulware, whom Skalski said he wanted to emulate at middle linebacker.

There is also his late father, John, who died suddenly from a heart attack during Skalski’s freshman season in 2016.

“Just his love for the game,” Skalski recently told The Clemson Insider. “Just showed me how to work, and we still share that bond today.”

The memory of his father is on Skalski’s mind more than usual given what looms later this week. The NFL Draft starts with the first round Thursday and will conclude Saturday, and there’s one team in particular that has his attention: the Dallas Cowboys. 

Ultimately, though, Skalski just hopes to hear his name called by somebody before the weekend is over. A two-time captain and three-year starter at Clemson, Skalski wrapped up a decorated collegiate career this past season with a team-high 100 tackles. He’s the only player to ever play in five ACC championship games, and his 69 career games played is tied for the most ever at Clemson.

Still, the 6-foot, 240-pounder, who wasn’t invited to the NFL scouting combine, isn’t expected to come off the board until the latter stages of the seven-round draft if at all. Skalski got a chance to work out for all 32 NFL teams during Clemson’s pro day last month and has visited a handful of teams since, including the Pittsburgh Steelers.

“Just get me in the door somewhere and I’ll prove you wrong,” Skalski said following his pro-day workout.

But Skalski said he’s been a Cowboys fan his whole life because of his father, who grew up in the Lone Star State. It’s hard for John’s son to not think about what could be.

“My dad’s from Dallas,” Skalski said. “My whole family (on my dad’s side) is from Dallas. I was born and raised watching the Cowboys. That would be my dream team.”

Regardless of where he might land, Skalski would play in the NFL for a decade if he had his way. But if the end of his playing career comes sooner than expected, Skalski said he plans to start a career in coaching.

“I know whatever I do, I’m going to be around the game of football,” he said. “It’s something I’m really good at and something I’m passionate about. It doesn’t feel like work to me. I get up every day with a smile on my face knowing I get to do something that’s part of this game.”

Staffer Mary Dentremont contributed to this story.

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Clemson falls outside top 10 in way-too-early CFP rankings

Clemson football is not receiving the same preseason praise that it has in years past.

Despite having the fourth-best odds to win the 2023 College Football Playoff (CFP) National Championship, Clemson hasn’t received the same preseason praise it has in years past.

In ESPN’s latest way-too-early CFP rankings, the Tigers were ranked outside the top 10 at No. 11, with teams like Notre Dame and N.C. State ahead of them.

Clemson heads into the 2022 season, losing key starters, such as wide receiver Justyn Ross, linebacker James Skalski and cornerback Andrew Booth Jr. Still, Clemson adds promising players to its roster next season, namely five-star quarterback Cade Klubnik, who impressed in the spring game, and five-star cornerback Jeadyn Lukus.

Here’s what ESPN’s Mark Schlabach had to say about the Tigers heading into next season.

Spring update: Clemson has two new coordinators — Brandon Streeter on offense and Wes Goodwin on defense — and coach Dabo Swinney hopes the Tigers return to their old ways after slipping with three losses in 2021. Quarterback D.J. Uiagalelei shed about 25 pounds in the offseason after struggling in his first season as the full-time starter. Uiagalelei left spring practice atop the depth chart, but he might continue to be pushed by Klubnik, an early enrollee, who looked good over 15 practices. Clemson’s defensive line had its way in the spring game against a thin offensive line. [Adam] Randall, who was expected to help the wide receiver corps, might miss the season after suffering a torn ACL in his knee during the spring.

Finishing last season No. 19 in the CFP rankings, Clemson’s No. 11 spring ranking is fair considering the question marks surrounding the team.

Ultimately, Clemson’s defense looks to be solidified as a contender for the best unit in the country. However, Uiagalelei and the Tigers’ offense will need to elevate from last year’s pitfalls. As Schlabach mentioned, Klubnik has impressed the coaching staff this spring and, if Uiagalelei struggles, could take over as the team’s starting quarterback.

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Skalski hits TCI studio to reflect on time at Clemson, look to future

Next week James Skalski will see one of his dreams come true when he learns which NFL team will give him a shot to continue to play the game he loves. Skalski stopped by the TCI studio where he sat down with Mary Dentremont. He discussed his time at …

Next week James Skalski will see one of his dreams come true when he learns which NFL team will give him a shot to continue to play the game he loves.

Skalski stopped by the TCI studio where he sat down with Mary Dentremont.  He discussed his time at Clemson and looked to his future.

This NFL team will reportedly host two former Tigers for visits

This NFL team is reportedly set to host a couple of former Clemson standout defenders for pre-draft visits this week. The Pittsburgh Steelers will have linebacker James Skalski in for a visit on Thursday, while safety Nolan Turner will visit with …

This NFL team is reportedly set to host a couple of former Clemson standout defenders for pre-draft visits this week.

The Pittsburgh Steelers will have linebacker James Skalski in for a visit on Thursday, while safety Nolan Turner will visit with the Steelers on Friday, according to NFL Network reporter Aditi Kinkhabwala.

A two-year team captain and 2021 first-team All-ACC selection, Skalski completed his decorated six-year career spanning 2016-21 credited with 310 career tackles (20.5 tackles for loss), 10.0 sacks, 12 pass breakups, two fumble recoveries (including one he returned 17 yards for a touchdown) and a forced fumble over 69 games (38 starts). His 69 career games played tied for the school and modern FBS record, and he is the only player ever to play in (and win) five ACC Championship Games.

Turner, a two-year team captain as well, was a 2020 All-American and finished his six-year Clemson career spanning 2016-21 credited with 259 tackles (13.5 for loss), 20 passes broken up, seven interceptions returned 78 yards, 3.0 sacks and two forced fumbles in 2,145 snaps over 65 career games (25 starts). His 65 career games ranked fourth in Clemson history as of the conclusion of the 2021 season.

While Turner was not invited to the 2022 NFL Scouting Combine, he stole the show at Clemson’s Pro Day on March 17. He had the highest vertical jump among the participants at 37 ½ inches. His broad jump of 10 feet, 2 inches tied linebacker Baylon Spector and tight end Braden Galloway for the longest of the day, and he wowed while running his first 40-yard dash in 4.47 seconds before besting that a few minutes later with a 4.46 on his second attempt.

Skalski was not invited to the NFL Combine, either, but recorded a 4.70 40-yard dash, 34-inch vertical and 9-6 broad jump at Clemson’s Pro Day.

Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin, general manager Kevin Colbert and senior defensive assistant Brian Flores all attended the Tigers’ Pro Day.

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Skalski ready to prove people wrong … he just needs a foot in the door

James Skalski came into Thursday’s Pro Day with a chip on his shoulder. The now-former Clemson standout felt he performed well enough and long enough across his career as an All-ACC linebacker, where he deserved an invite to the NFL Scouting …

James Skalski came into Thursday’s Pro Day with a chip on his shoulder.

The now-former Clemson standout felt he performed well enough and long enough across his career as an All-ACC linebacker, where he deserved an invite to the NFL Scouting Combine.

He wanted to be there in Indianapolis, but he also wanted to be a five-star coming out of high school.

Skalski played the cards he was dealt with and turned in a relatively solid performance in front of all 32 NFL teams during Clemson’s Pro Day on Thursday.

“I was really happy with them,” Skalski said of his numbers. “I thought I hit my marks and exceeded some expectations in some places. I just felt really good. I felt explosive. I felt athletic.”

Was he surprised at all?

“Hell no, man,” Skalski exclaimed, “I’m an athlete! I’ve been doing this. Now, to be fair, I’ve been 240 (pounds) for years. Like I said, I’m like 228 right now. I’m light and lean. I feel like that’s what I need to do for the next level. I’m probably the fastest I’ve ever been right now. So maybe they can say what they want, but the numbers are for sure now. They can run with that.”

Clemson’s official Pro Day results had Skalski’s fastest 40-yard dash time clocked at 4.70, while his vertical jump was 34 inches, which was second behind his close friend and roommate, Nolan Turner.

“I think I did well in the vert and I think the 40,” he continued. “That was always a big question for me, but I ran a sub 4.7 and that’s what I was looking for.

Skalski was asked jokingly if he knew that he could out-jump Justyn Ross.

“C’mon let’s not kid ourselves,” he quipped. “Alright, it’s a Pro Day. I mean, when the football games happen, everyone put their money on J-Ross going up and making a play…He’s dunking on me every day of the week.”

Skalski indicated that he’s spoken to some teams leading up to Thursday. On Wednesday, the Steelers hosted a dinner and he spent some time with Pittsburgh and its staff the night prior.

He also went to the NFLPA game and he talked to most of the teams that were in attendance.

“I ‘ve talked to some teams and I know there’s interest,” Skalski said. “I think I definitely earned myself some more interest today with my performance, but yeah, there’s definitely teams talking to me.”

Has any school been reaching out to Skalski more than others?

“No, not really,” he said. “I mean, honestly, I’ve been so head down, locked-in on just grinding, that I’ve kind of just letting my agent take care of those conversations and letting my performance speak for itself.”

Since he arrived at Clemson, he’s abided by the underdog mentality. That’s continued throughout the draft process, as Skalski has been told by his agent that if he were to get drafted, he’ll likely be a Day 3 selection.

That doesn’t matter to him, though.

“Just get me in the door somewhere and I’ll prove you wrong,” Skalski said.

“If you’re a guy — with anything you do — when people doubt you, then you prove them wrong,” he later added. “I try not to pay attention to all that noise. I know the kind of football player I am. I know what I’m capable of. I just try to come out here and show it every day.”

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