Clemson honored by President Trump at the White House (Video)

College football writer

Mon, Jun 12, 2017, 10:13 PM

Clemson made the trip to The White House on Monday to honor its big win over Alabama in the College Football Playoff National Championship.

President Donald Trump spoke glowingly of the Tigers thrilling last second, come-from-behind win back in January and recognized head coach Dabo Swinney and several prominent members of the team.

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“Clemson Tigers: you gave America an incredible game that will go down in the record books as one of the hardest-fought, and probably one of the most exciting games ever played,” President Trump said. “All of you played with such tremendous heart and determination. You never gave up and it all paid off.”

The president specifically pointed out quarterback Deshaun Watson, a recent first-round pick of the Houston Texans, shook his hand and told him he is going to be a great NFL player. President Trump also called up wideout Hunter Renfrow, who caught the game-winning touchdown from Watson (“Hunter, you’re so lucky you caught that ball,” the president joked), along with star defensive players Ben Boulware (now with the Carolina Panthers) and Carlos Watkins (also with the Texans).

President Donald Trump holds up a jersey given to by head coach Dado Swinney as he welcomes the 2016 NCAA Football National Champions Clemson University Tigers, Monday, June 12, 2017, during a ceremony on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington. (AP)

After the president spoke, Swinney, who visited Washington D.C. as a player when Alabama won the national title back in 1992, was next at the podium.

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“It’s such an honor to be part of a special tradition where the White House and president honor the champions, and that’s what these guys are: champions,” Swinney said.

Swinney then offered a personalized Clemson jersey to President Trump.

You can watch full video of the event below.