Clemson’s depth at linebacker, in particular at middle linebacker, got a major shot in the arm when James Skalski announced in January, he was indeed returning to Clemson for one more season.
Thanks to the NCAA giving student-athletes another year of eligibility due to the pandemic, Skalski was able to take advantage and earn a sixth season at Clemson, joining safety Nolan Turner, defensive end Regan Upshaw and running back Darien Rencher as six-year players on the 2021 roster.
Skalski’s experience and knowledge of Brent Venables’ defense means a lot to a unit that led the ACC in total defense and was second in scoring defense in 2020.