The unofficial start of the college football season has begun with the release of the preseason Amway College Poll. The Alabama Crimson Tide takes the top ranking and 4 of the top 10 spots go to teams in the Big Ten Conference. The defending national champion Clemson Tigers are ranked No. 5.
Last season, the Tigers rallied past Alabama 35-31 on a last-second 2-yard touchdown to redshirt junior receiver Hunter Renfrow. Renfrow spoke about how life has changed since the title-winning grab in episode 9 of the Sports Spectrum Podcast hosted by Jason Romano.
“It’s been a unique experience. I’m a lot happier that I caught it than I would be had I dropped it. I might of had to transfer,” Renfrow joked.
But the catch has also given him a larger platform to speak to others about his walk with Christ.
“I’m just trying to be that positive light. I’ve never really been a real vocal guy, but just how I carry myself and my actions just try to reflect the Lord,” Renfrow said.
He also talked about the effect Clemson’s head coach Dabo Swinney, an avid Christian, has had on his life.
“The one thing I will say about Coach Swinney is that he genuinely cares about people,” Renfrow said. “He’s such a great role model for anyone. Whether you’re a receiver or an offensive lineman, whoever it is. He’s taught me far more about life then he has football. And that’s a credit to him and what he believes in.”
Since taking over midseason in 2008, Swinney has led Clemson to a 89-28 record, with 3 ACC titles and a national championship. The Tigers will have slots to fill, especially replacing All-American quarterback Deshaun Watson. Clemson begins it’s title defense on September 2 hosting Kent State.
LISTEN TO CLEMSON WR HUNTER RENFROW ON THE SPORTS SPECTRUM PODCAST
Amway Coach’s Poll
- Alabama
- Ohio State
- Florida State
- Southern California
- Clemson
- Penn State
- Washington
- Oklahoma
- Michigan
- Wisconsin
- Oklahoma State
- LSU
- Auburn
- Stanford
- Georgia
- Florida
- Louisville
- Miami
- Kansas State
- West Virginia
- South Florida
- Virginia Tech
- Texas
- Tennessee
- Utah
