Clemson LB James Skalski Happy to Have One More Significant Game in Death Valley

James Skalski gets one more opportunity to run down the hill at Clemson.

The sixth-year linebacker and quarterback of the Clemson defense is set to play the final home game of his esteemed career on Saturday, as the Tigers host Wake Forest in a critical ACC matchup.

"The end is near, it is," Skalski said. "Man I still can't believe it but it all goes by so fast. It'll be Sunday before I know it and it'll all be over and it'll be on to the next. I mean it was gonna happen one way or another. I know it'll be emotional but I mean it is what it is."

After coming to Clemson as a 3-star prospect out of Northgate High in Newnan, Georgia, Skalski has evolved into a key component of Brent Venables' defense over the past three seasons. 

In 2019 he was second on the team in tackles (107). In 2020 he was named second-team All-ACC, despite only playing in nine games due to injuries, and this season he has a team-high 86 tackles, almost 20 more than Baylon Spector, who is second with 67.

The veteran linebacker has been a part of five ACC Championships and two national titles during his career, and while the current season hasn't lived up to the preseason hype in the win-loss column, the defense has been once again been one of the best in the nation, with Skalski deserving a lot of the credit for the unit's success.

With Senior Day coming up this Saturday, the Skalski knows his final trip down the hill will be an emotional one.

"I don't want to think about it just yet," Skalski said. "I don't know how emotional I'll get before because I got to be locked in, but definitely after the game, whatever happens, I'm gonna be looking around, just trying to take it all in. But it's surreal when you're up there looking around. It's a special moment and to all the young guys out there don't wish them away, because just like that (as he snapped his fingers), it's done."