Go Tigers!***

While at Clemson:

Excerpts from DB/LB Travis Blanks’ bio on ClemsonTigers.com provide the following insights into his talented Clemson career:

Clemson’s top freshman performer in 2012 and a starter at both safety (2013) and linebacker (2015) over his career … had 129 tackles, five for loss, one interception, five quarterback pressures and 11 pass breakups in 1,543 snaps over 39 career games … made a remarkable comeback from two torn ACL injuries to be a starter on the No. 1 team in the nation.

2015: Had 43 tackles, three for loss and three quarterback pressures in 505 snaps over 15 games (12 starts)
…
2013: Had 35 tackles, two pass breakups, two caused fumbles and one recovered fumble in 475 snaps over 11 games (10 starts)
…
2012: Second-team freshman All-American by Scout.com … had 51 tackles, two tackles for loss, two quarterback pressures, one interception, seven pass breakups and one recovered fumble in 563 snaps over 13 games (eight starts)

https://clemsontigers.com/sports/football/roster/travis-blanks/

Of note: Blanks missed the 2014 season. During his playing time at Clemson Travis Blanks suffered two serious knee injuries that cost him more than one full season, including all of 2014. According to HughsNews.com:

A three-year starter at Clemson at both safety (2013) and linebacker (2015), Travis earned Freshman All-American honors in 2012.

Although he battled two ACL injuries during his time at Clemson, Travis finished his career with 129 tackles, five for loss, 11 pass break ups, five quarterback pressures and one interception in 1,543 snaps over 39 career games.

Travis was named a permanent team captain of the 2015 Clemson team that defeated Oklahoma in the 2015 Orange Bowl, a part of the College Football Playoff and played for the National Championship against Alabama.

https://www.hughsnews.com/newsletter-posts/former-clemson-football-standout-to-speak-at-emmanuel-college-written-by-ashley-westbrook-director-of-public-relations1268431

Blanks making a GREAT Interception in Chick-fil-A bowl vs #8 LSU:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fA_sKlviEgU

After Clemson:

Blanks joined the IPTAY staff in March 2017 and serves as the assistant director of Block C Club. He primarily engages and connects current and former student-athletes of Clemson University through athletics, academics, IPTAY and Block C Club. Prior to joining the IPTAY staff, he served as a loan officer for a nearby bank.

https://clemsontigers.com/block-c-club-spotlight-travis-blanks/

The HughNews article cited above mentioned that Blanks was scheduled to speak at Emmanuel College in September 2017.

IPTAY provided an update on Blanks:

Blanks currently serves as a Senior District Manager at Waste Management in Atlanta, GA. Prior to his time there he was on staff with Clemson Athletics first as a Major Gift Officer within IPTAY and then as Director of Clemson Football Alumni Relations within Clemson Football. He currently serves on the Board for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Travis earned his BA from Clemson University in December 2015 and his MBA from the Wilbur O. and Ann Powers College of Business at Clemson University in December 2020.

https://iptaycuad.com/former-clemson-football-player-travis-blanks-gives-back-to-p-a-w-journey/

In 2018, Travis Blanks shared the following Words of Wisdom according to RichTkeonSports.com:

• Still thinks about the loss to Alabama in the national championship game because of breakdowns in the game but does not dwell on the loss
• Knows God has a plan for his life and has been able to move forward even though he wasn’t able to fulfill his dream of playing in the NFL due to 2 ACL tears while at Clemson
• Believes that sports can help shape your perspective in life and so many traits can be instilled in each person from sports that are applicable in life
• Words of Wisdom from Travis Blanks: “Be the best version of you.”

https://richtakeonsports.com/captivate-podcast/episode-68-travis-blanks-former-clemson-acc-defensive-back/

But he does not say these words of wisdom, he lives them out in his life. In addition to public speaking (as mentioned above), Blanks and his wife have been generous in multiple ways in investing in other people. According to the IPTAY website:

“IPTAY announced that former Clemson football player Travis Blanks and his wife Chandler Blanks have made a significant gift to Clemson Football’s P.A.W. Journey program. Their gift will help fund programming for personal and professional development for scholar-athletes through the P.A.W. Journey program.

“It is truly an honor and a privilege for my wife and I to be positioned to give back because so much has been given unto us,” said Blanks.

“We represent the art of what’s possible and our hope is that we may inspire others to give back. More important than any play that I ever made in Memorial Stadium, I aspire to leave a strong philanthropic legacy at Clemson University and be remembered for not what I did but the lives I impacted and the contributions of my time, resources, and finances that I made. The best is yet to come.”

https://iptaycuad.com/former-clemson-football-player-travis-blanks-gives-back-to-p-a-w-journey/

Clearly, a True Clemson Man!

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129 - Robert Carswell Set Season DB Record for Tackles at 129 in 1999

Apr 24, 2024, 12:04 AM

DB Robert Carswell is – and always has been - a great man both on and off the playing field. During his playing days, he served his community. He has continued to do so after his playing days. Robert Carswell clearly has a passion for mentoring the next generation!

While at Clemson:

In 2000, ClemsonTigers.com published the following info on Carswell:

“Carswell, a senior free safety, set a Clemson record for tackles by a defensive back with 129 in 1999. Eighty-nine of those 129 were first hits. He needs just 13 tackles to break all-time great Terry Kinard’s record for tackles by a defensive back in a career.”

https://clemsontigers.com/footballs-keith-adams-tabbed-preseason-defensive-player-of-the-year-by-the-blue-ribbon-college-football-yearbook/

In January 2000, Tigernet also recognized Carswell record tackles for a DB. The TNet article discussed the awards presentations at the end of the football season:

“Hustle Awards were distributed and Robert Carswell was the winner on defense. The starting safety set a Clemson mark for tackles by a defensive back with 129 and he also ranked 10th in the nation in interceptions.”

https://www.tigernet.com/clemson-football/story/clemson-football-awards-announced-328

But, when he wasn’t on the playing field, he still achieved excellence! According to a 2018 Greenville News article on Robert Carswell:

“He volunteered at a school for underprivileged youth in Anderson while he was in school at Clemson, and in 1999 was Clemson’s first selection to the American Football Coaches Association’s Good Works Team, which honors student-athletes who show exceptional dedication to charitable organizations, service groups and community involvement.”

https://www.greenvilleonline.com/story/sports/college/clemson/2018/05/12/former-clemson-and-nfl-player-robert-carswell-big-hit-classroom-too/548959002/

After Clemson:

The San Diego Chargers selected Robert Carswell with the 244th pick (7th Round) of the 2001 NFL Draft. According to Wikipedia:

“NFL career

Carswell played all 16 games his rookie season as a backup to pro bowler Rodney Harrison. In that season he totaled 17 tackles, including 14 solo tackles.
In 2002, he missed most of the team's offseason and preseason festivities with nagging shoulder and knee injuries. After being inactive in four of the team's first six games, Carswell was released by the Chargers on October 15, 2002.”

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_Carswell_(American_football)

Carswell has continued to reach great heights after his NFL playing days had ended. Robert Carswell has become a beloved elementary school teacher. Apparently, so beloved that his students WANT to come to school. According to the Greenville News article cited above:

“You shouldn’t have worn that tie with that shirt, Mr. Carswell,” says Malire Gibbs.

“Mr. Carswell, you can’t play basketball because you wear church shoes to school,” offers Desmond Ferby.

Carswell wasn’t familiar with being “called out” by a bunch of 7- and 8-year-olds when he first stepped into his classroom at Kelly Miller Elementary School three years ago, but he’s adapted quite well, thank you.

So well, in fact, that he’s helped convert more than his share of students into disciples of education, if you will, who are so eager to show up for school that neither illness nor sunny spring mornings prevent them from boarding the bus each day.

“He has a high attendance rate because he’s made his children enjoy coming to school,” said Kathy Woodard, principal at the rural Fairfield County school of 241 students. “If they’re sick, they still want to be here. There have been times that we’ve had to send them home – and they didn’t want to go.”

No wonder. It may sound simplistic, but the bottom line is that the former Clemson University football standout has managed to make learning fun for his 23 students.

One day he promised he’d ride a hoverboard all day if everyone scored 90 or better on a test; they did, and Carswell was seen gliding down the hallways at every opportunity.

On another occasion, he set up a green screen backdrop so the class could create a news show and broadcast the weather; now Jaylen Brice aspires to be a meteorologist.

More recently, Carswell gleaned inspiration from the classic story “The Three Little Pigs” and charged his students with constructing miniature homes capable of withstanding a Category 5 hurricane, which in this case came in the form of Carswell’s leaf blower.
…

Despite his fun approach, Carswell also imparts a work ethic, which is evident each time the students enter his classroom. One by one, they smack a yellow sign posted outside the door that reads “Learn Like a Champion Today.”

“Thwack! Thwack! Thwack!”

One by one, the students smack the sign, making a commitment to Carswell – and more importantly, to themselves.

“When we hit that sign, that’s us checking in,” Carswell said. “We leave all excuses at the door. They know to give their best and they know that excuses aren’t going to be tolerated.

“But they also know that I’m in their corner and they know I love them with everything I’ve got.”
…
It’s not surprising then that Carswell also serves as a mentor for a group of students at his school known as “Tied to Success,” a collection of third- through sixth-graders who “dress for success” while learning soft skills, the importance of goals and planning for the future.

“You don’t see him flashing around a ring or talking about being a pro athlete,” Woodard said. “He’s more interested in mentoring these young men, and you can see a distinct change in them. They shake your hand, look you in the eye. It’s not only about academics, he’s teaching them life skills.”

Last year Carswell took the group to his alma mater, where they met professors, toured the athletic facilities and linked up with students in Clemson’s “Call Me Mister” program, which is designed to encourage minorities to pursue careers in education.

https://www.greenvilleonline.com/story/sports/college/clemson/2018/05/12/former-clemson-and-nfl-player-robert-carswell-big-hit-classroom-too/548959002/

One final note on Carswell mentoring the next generation: Carswell has also served as Youth Director at the Meeting Place Church. According to ABC Columbia:

“While his football career is certainly something to celebrate, Carswell says it’s his passion to lead and guide children in the way they should go, that drives him and brings him joy.

“We all have a responsibility to mold and shape the next generation, because they are always watching everything we do,” said Carswell. “I take my job as Youth Director at The Meeting Place Church very seriously. I hope to inspire even one child to keep pushing toward their dreams like I did.”

Carswell has been helping to lead the youth at The Meeting Place Church of Greater Columbia under the leadership of Bishop Eric J. Freeman.

“Brother Carswell has an energy, an enthusiasm and most importantly, an everlasting love for the Lord which fuels everything he does,” said Bishop Freeman. “The way he interacts with the children and the way they feed off his energy is incredible. As this larger-than-life retired pro football player, he has this gift to relate to even the youngest children. You know he’s making a difference.”

Carswell conducted youth camps throughout the summer and will continue to mentor children with the church’s annual Back-to-School Bash on August 18-19.

https://www.abccolumbia.com/2017/08/16/former-clemson-tiger-gets-kids-ready-school/

Clearly, a true Clemson Man!

And, according to the NFL Alumni Twitter account, Carswell has recently earned a doctorate and moved into school administration:

https://twitter.com/NFLAlumni/status/1762863327850426487

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Clemson: Academic Excellence! Athletic Excellence!

Hill Watch...129 days!!!

Re: Hill Watch...129 days!!!

Re: Hill Watch...129 days!!!

Re: Hill Watch...129 days!!!

Re: Hill Watch...129 days!!!

Re: Hill Watch...129 days!!!

Re: Hill Watch...129 days!!!

Re: Hill Watch...129 days!!!

Woooo

Re: Hill Watch...129 days!!!

129 - Travis Blanks Recorded 129 Tackles for Clemson

Re: 129 - Travis Blanks Recorded 129 Tackles for Clemson

Re: Hill Watch...129 days!!!

129 - Robert Carswell Set Season DB Record for Tackles at 129 in 1999

That dude would hit people!***

Re: 129 - Robert Carswell Set Season DB Record for Tackles at 129 in 1999

Re: 129 - Robert Carswell Set Season DB Record for Tackles at 129 in 1999

Re: Hill Watch...129 days!!!

Lets go Tigers!!***

Re: Hill Watch...129 days!!!***

Re: Hill Watch...129 days!!!

Re: Hill Watch...129 days!!!

Yes!

Slowly but Shirley!!! We're getting there!!

Good morning MfO!

Re: Slowly but Shirley!!! We're getting there!!

Re: Hill Watch...129 days!!!

Go Tigers!!!***

Re: Hill Watch...129 days!!!

Re: Hill Watch...129 days!!!

Re: Hill Watch...129 days!!!

Youre going to be the next

Re: Hill Watch...129 days!!!

Sounds like #8 at The National, for a guess?

Re: Sounds like #8 at The National, for a guess?

Re: Hill Watch...129 days!!!

Roar! And, SEC = Simply Eggregious Cheating.

Go Tigers***

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