Christian Wilkins, a 315-pound defensive tackle, lined up as a running back and scored a touchdown for No. 2 Clemson (8-0) in a 59-10 blowout of Florida State (4-4).
Wilkins became the first lineman to score a rushing touchdown in Clemson history. His rumble into the end zone was reminiscent of another Clemson football player, William “Refrigerator” Perry.
Jumbo Package
With 3:34 remaining in the second quarter against Florida State, Clemson led 14-0 and was threatening to score once again. Clemson faced a third and goal situation from the one and a half yard line.
Clemson opted for a jumbo package that swapped out their usual running backs for two lineman used to playing the other side of the ball. Defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence, all 350 pounds of him, served as the blocking back for Wilkins. Clemson’s jumbo package weighs a combined 665 pounds.
Wilkins took the handoff from Trevor Lawrence and ran into the end zone for a one-yard touchdown.
Christian Wilkins is listed at 315 pounds.
Here he is scoring a rushing touchdown. pic.twitter.com/bNyLvbUJkZ— CBS Sports (@CBSSports) October 27, 2018
“It was pretty cool to see him score a touchdown,” QB Trevor Lawrence said. “He’s an athletic dude.”
“It was a fun. I’m just glad I got the opportunity and chance,” said Wilkins. “We worked on that all week. I’m the sixth string running back right now. But I was able to get it done.”
The Legend of Refrigerator Perry
Wilkins is no William “Refrigerator” Perry, although his run was reminiscent of another Clemson lineman.
“Everyone’s technique is the same when you’re over 300 pounds,” joked Wilkins with reporters after the game.
Perry, a 350-pound defensive lineman who also played for Clemson in the 1980s, was drafted by the Chicago Bears in the first round of the 1985 NFL Draft.
During his rookie season, Mike Ditka frequently used Refrigerator Perry as a fullback to block for Walter Payton in goal line and close yardage situations. Refrigerator Perry scored three touchdowns and ran for two of them. In the Super Bowl that year, Refrigerator Perry also scored a touchdown.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DsdGbvNiVXY
From Lineman to Tailback to QB?
Wilkins, who is projected to be an NFL lottery pick, plays multiple positions on the field including on the kick coverage team, caught a fake punt, and he even caught a touchdown as a receiver.
His score against FSU marked the second touchdown of Wilkins’ collegiate career. In 2016, Wilkins scored a touchdown on a pass play in another blowout against Troy.
What’s in store next? Wilkins indicated he’d like to throw a pass on a trick play.
“I’ve been in coach’s ear a lot about playing quarterback,” Wilkins said, “Quarterback is next.”
