Difference-maker: Clemson football linebacker James Skalski says 'There are big moments coming'
This much can be said for James Skalski: He knows his worth.
“I know what kind of player I am,” he says. “And I know I make a difference.”
And how.
Anyone with even a cursory knowledge of defense is able to readily detect that Skalski is indeed the difference-maker for Clemson – the bona fide quarterback of the defense, the heart and soul and inspirational leader who will rattle an opposing player’s teeth at every opportunity.
In short, don’t push James Skalski’s buttons.
“When you listened to some of the things they (Notre Dame players) were saying leading up to the (ACC Championship) game, they pushed some buttons they shouldn’t have pushed,” Skalski said. “We were really happy that we got to see them again.”
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In his first game at truly full throttle following in-season groin surgery, Skalski was at his frenetic best against the Fighting Irish, roaming the field from side to side like a beagle in hot pursuit of a rabbit.
He had five tackles and a sack as Clemson claimed its sixth consecutive ACC crown and College Football Playoff berth.
“Skalski loves to play the game,” fellow linebacker Baylon Spector said. “I think you see that out of him every Saturday. He has a passion for the game, and he brings it every week.
“He hadn’t played in a while, so he was super excited (against Notre Dame). He was feeling good, feeling healthy. It was good and fun to see him back.”
Up next is a CFP semifinal rematch against Ohio State in the Sugar Bowl, and the Tigers’ difference-maker looms large against a Buckeyes offense that relies heavily on the running game.
Skalski and the Tigers’ defenders will be challenged by a veteran offensive line, a quarterback with a penchant for picking up yardage and scramble mode and a running back who went for 331 yards the last time out.
Who will prevail? A Buckeyes team that ranks fifth nationally in rushing offense or a Tigers defense that ranks ninth nationally against the run?
Expect Skalski to have plenty to say in the matter.
Skalski is an intense competitor, and his teammates look to him to not only deliver big hits but also be an extension of defensive coordinator Brent Venables.
“Skalski’s just like another coach on the field for us,” freshman defensive tackle Bryan Bresee said. “He knows where everybody needs to be, what’s supposed to go on, and he does a really good job if someone makes a mistake of filling in where he needs to.”
Yes, Venables sees it, too.
“Jamie is a fifth-year senior – he’s played a lot of football,” Venables said. “He’s just on another planet right now compared to a lot of players when it comes to knowledge and experience and his level of anticipation and how fast he plays as a result.”
And could it be possible for the fifth-year senior to decide to return for a sixth year?
“I’ve definitely thought about it,” Skalski said. “I’ll let y'all know when I know, but I don’t know.”
The only thing he knows at the moment is that he’d like to have a mid-January trip to Miami, playing for a third national title in five years.
“I’m ahead of (recovery) schedule and feeling good,” Skalski said. “There are big moments coming.”