January — T.J. Clemmings is one of the Senior Bowl participants who appears at the all-star game’s opening press conference.
“I look at it as a great opportunity because some of the best players in the country are all in one place and being able to compete,” Clemmings said. “I’m looking forward to competing throughout the weekend and in this game.”
Little did we know then that he’d become the Vikings fourth-round pick in April and be elevated to starting right tackle after Phil Loadholt’s injury during the preseason. Clemmings is on track to tie a franchise record by starting all 16 games of his rookie season (Matt Kalil, Harrison Smith, Kevin Williams, Dewayne Washington, Todd Steussie and Hall of Famer Gary Zimmerman share the record).