The Rimington Trophy and the Boomer Esiason Foundation have announced that Clemson center Will Putnam has been named to the 2023 watchlist for the Rimington Trophy. This prestigious award is presented annually to the nation’s top center, and it’s a tremendous honor to be considered for this recognition. As we gear up for another exciting college football season, let’s dive into what this announcement means and why Putnam is a top contender for the Rimington Trophy.
The Rimington Trophy is determined by a selection committee, and this year, it worked with Pro Football Focus (PFF) to narrow down its watchlist to the top 40 centers. PFF grades every player on every play of every game on how well they execute their given assignment. This rigorous evaluation system allowed the committee to create a watchlist based on both nominations from the schools and data provided by PFF.
While Putnam’s inclusion on the watchlist is certainly impressive, he’s no stranger to accolades. Last season, he started in all 13 games for Clemson and was instrumental in the team’s success. He was named a third-team All-ACC selection and earned a spot on the Pro Football Focus All-Freshman First Team. It’s clear that Putnam is a talented player with a bright future ahead of him.
Beyond his individual accomplishments, Putnam is an essential part of Clemson’s offensive line, which is shaping up to be one of the strongest in the country. With a combination of experience and youthful energy, this line will be a force to be reckoned with. And with Putnam leading the charge at center, Clemson’s offense will be well-positioned to dominate on the field.
Of course, the Rimington Trophy is about more than just individual performances. It’s about recognizing outstanding achievements in college football and celebrating the hard work and dedication of these athletes. Putnam’s inclusion on the watchlist is a testament not just to his skill, but also to Clemson’s commitment to excellence. This award would be a tremendous honor for Putnam and for Clemson as a whole.
It’s an exciting time to be a Clemson fan, and Putnam’s inclusion on the Rimington Trophy watchlist only adds to the anticipation for the upcoming season. As we wait to see how this talented center performs on the field, let’s take a moment to appreciate the hard work and dedication that goes into earning recognition like this. Congratulations to Putnam and to Clemson for this incredible achievement!
