Tigers Today: Four former Clemson players cut from NFL rosters

by:Pete Nakos•09/01/21•

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Four former Clemson players cut from NFL rosters

Clemson has developed a handful of top-tier talent in the Dabo Swinney era. But Tuesday marked the final cutdown day for NFL rosters, and a handful of former Tigers were waived.

Here is a breakdown of who was released:

Former Clemson receiver Deon Cain was waived by the Baltimore Ravens. A sixth-round draft pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, the 6-foot-2, 202-pounder has spent four seasons in the NFL. Most recently, he spent the last two seasons with the Steelers. He played for the Tigers from 2015 to 2017 and finished with 130 receptions for 2,040 yards and 20 touchdowns.
Cornell Powell was cut by the Kansas City Chiefs. Drafted by the Chiefs in the fifth round of April’s NFL Draft, Powell was looking to emerge as a target for Patrick Mahomes. In five seasons with the Tigers, the 6-foot, 210-pound receiver finished with 93 receptions and 10 touchdown catches. He was a downfield threat for the Tigers this past season while having by far the best year of his college career.
Former Tigers running back Tavien Feaster has been released by the Arizona Cardinals. An undrafted rookie in 2020, he has had had short stints with the New York Giants and Detroit Lions. The Jags initially signed him after the NFL Draft. He was at Clemson from 2016 to 2018 before transferring to South Carolina. In his lone season with the Gamecocks, Feaster carried the ball 124 times for 672 yards and five touchdowns.
Linebacker Shaq Smith played with the Tigers for two seasons before transferring to Maryland after the 2018 season. He was cut Tuesday by the New Orleans Saints. During his time at Clemson, he recorded 29 tackles and an interception.

On a positive note, DeShawn Williams made Denver’s 53-man roster. The defensive lineman played at Clemson from 2011 to 2014 and finished with 79 total tackles, including 11.5 for loss.

What we learned from Dabo Swinney ahead of Clemson-Georgia showdown

Dabo Swinney met with the media for roughly 45 minutes Tuesday and discussed several topics ahead of the Tigers showdown with Georgia.

Swinney provided updates on position battles at center, running back and wide receiver, while also speaking about the rivalry with Georgia and how important it is.

ClemsonSports.com senior writer Matt Connolly was there to break it all down.

Counting down

Clemson vs. Georgia (season opener): 3 days
Clemson at South Carolina: 87 days

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