In their 30 years of representing both Carolinas, the Carolina Panthers have never drafted a player from nearby Clemson University. But there’s a Tiger up at the combine right now who’s already making a pretty good case to snap that.
As noted by Kassidy Hill of Panthers.com on Thursday, cornerback Nate Wiggins said he has formally met with the team. The 20-year-old even flexed some knowledge about Carolina, stating he loves defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero’s system given its man-to-man elements.
Wiggins, an Atlanta, Ga. native, played at Clemson from 2021 to 2023. Over that time, which culminated in a first-team All-ACC selection this past season, he recorded 60 tackles, three interceptions and two touchdown returns.
Unfortunately for those who are hoping that Wiggins breaks that Clemson-less streak for the Panthers, the talented and long-limbed prospect is not likely to last after the first round. Carolina’s earliest pick, at least at the moment, is the 33rd overall selection.
