Updated Clemson roster reveals changed jersey numbers for several Tigers
The Clemson football roster has been updated ahead of the start of spring practice and several Tigers have changed jersey numbers.
It appears that cornerback Nate Wiggins, safety Sherrod Covil, tight end Josh Sapp, running back Phil Mafah and receiver Troy Stellato will all be sporting a new number in 2023.
Here’s the number change that is happening for each of those players:
CB Nate Wiggins
New number: 2
Old number: 20
About Wiggins: The Atlanta native had a breakout campaign in 2022, appearing in 13 games and making 11 starts. Wiggins finished with 22 tackles, two tackles for loss and a team-high 12 pass breakups. He had one of the biggest plays of Clemson’s season in the ACC title game, intercepting UNC quarterback Drake Maye and returning the pass 98 yards for a touchdown. The play was the longest in ACC championship game history and the second-longest interception return in Clemson history.
S Sherrod Covil
New number: 5
Old number: 12
About Covil: The Virginia native was an immediate contributor for the Tigers in 2022, finishing with 16 tackles, including one tackle for loss. Covil also made plays on special teams for Clemson as a freshman. With both starting safeties returning for 2023, Covil is unlikely to be a starter. However, the hard hitter should see his role increase on defense and should remain a key contributor on special teams.
TE Josh Sapp
New number: 5
Old number: 85
About Sapp: The son of former Clemson star Patrick Sapp, Josh Sapp redshirted his first season at Clemson. Sapp appeared in two games last season, playing five snaps. The Greenville native had 50 catches for 836 yards and 10 touchdowns as a senior in high school. He could play an h-back role for Clemson as his career progresses.
RB Phil Mafah
New number: 7
Old number: 26
About Mafah: A part of Clemson’s 1-2 punch at running back, along with Will Shipley, Mafah had a big sophomore season for the Tigers. The Georgia native recorded a career high 98 carries for 515 yards and four touchdowns. He appeared in all 14 games, making one start in 2022.
WR Troy Stellato
New number: 10
Old number: 15
About Stellato: The former four-star recruit has been slowed by injuries thus far in his career but the hope is that he can be a contributor in 2023 after missing all of last season with a torn ACL. Stellato was a speedster in high school, and if he can get back to being that player, he could excel in Garrett Riley’s offense.