Spiller Makes All the Right Moves

It seems as if C.J. Spiller's career has been punctuated by big decisions and big plays.

Spiller selected the Clemson Tigers over childhood favorite Florida State and others out of Lake Butler (Fla.) Union County. A frustrating freshman season nearly prompted him to transfer to Florida. Spiller could have entered the NFL Draft last year as a possible first-round selection. Known as a quiet leader, Spiller promised to speak up this season.

Check, check and check -- Spiller has made all the right moves.

"It has gone by so fast," Spiller told FanHouse Tuesday morning. "It seems like I just got here, and now ... these last five [regular-season] games I am going to enjoy the best way I can with my teammates. Coming back was the best decision I've made in my life. You don't have a better experience than your college one."

Which leads us to Spiller's big plays.

A jack-of-all-trades who is literally breaking records almost every weekend, Spiller has helped put the Tigers in position to win their first ACC title since 1991. And, in the process, he has vaulted into Heisman Trophy contention following his incredible performance at Miami last Saturday that saw him amass a school-record 310 all-purpose yards.

And, by the way, did we mention that Spiller's smile is contagious, his spirit unwavering and his determination unrivaled? Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney has spilled the beans many times when it comes to Spiller this season.

"If you're looking at MVPs and Heismans and all that, I don't know of a player in the country that's more valuable to their team than C.J.," Swinney said.
"Sometimes I feel kind of guilty because this is my first time to ever be a head coach and here's a lot of coaches that coach their whole lives and don't get the opportunity to coach a guy like C.J. Spiller."

Spiller is certainly helping make it a season to remember.

For starters, the Tigers can win the ACC Atlantic Division and advance into the conference championship game in Tampa with wins in their final three league games against Florida State, N.C. State and Virginia. And to think it was only a few weeks ago when the struggling Tigers were being questioned and grilled for their lack of consistency.

"We can't control what everyone says and everyone can voice their own opinion, but the thing about this team is we don't worry about the media or what anyone says about us," said Spiller, who has had a 60-yard play, either from scrimmage or on a return, in each of the first seven games this season and leads the nation in all-purpose yards per game with a 207.86 average.

"We care about the guy that's next to us -- to our right and to our left -- and as long as we do continue to do that, everything will take care of itself. I think every Saturday that we line up, and talent has never been an issue since I've been here, I think we have some of the best guys in the country who can play with anyone in the country.

"And that was on display last Saturday against a great Miami team."

It was a wild one in South Florida, for sure.

The Tigers prevailed 40-37 in overtime when quarterback Kyle Parker fired a 26-yard touchdown pass over the middle to Jacoby Ford. Spiller was super, recording a 90-yard kickoff return for a touchdown late in the first half and adding a 56-yard score in the second half. He also topped the 100-yard mark in receiving, catching six receptions for 104 yards, and he rushed for 81 yards on 14 carries.

Spiller's kickoff return for a score was the third of the season and sixth in his career, which ties the national record for kickoff returns for touchdowns in a career with Anthony Davis of USC (1972-74) and Ashlan Davis of Tulsa (2004-05). Davis also holds the national record for kickoff returns for touchdowns during a season with five.

Spiller and the Tigers will take a break from ACC and FBS action on Saturday as they play FCS rival Coastal Carolina for homecoming.

Spiller doesn't take credit for his good fortune, instead pointing to teammates and saying he has been blessed from above.

Spiller, however, credits his maturation to the birth of his daughter Shania, now 3, as a freshman. It shouldn't come as a surprise that Spiller has attempted to pattern his game and life after childhood hero Warrick Dunn, the former FSU and NFL star who is also well known for his playing toughness despite his small stature (like Spiller) and civic leadership and community service.

"He's a great running back and a great person, a guy who caught my attention," Spiller said.

Speaking of attention, Spiller is getting plenty.

Despite Clemson's preseason Heisman Trophy push for Spiller -- the university mailed out life-sized posters of Spiller to the media -- he refuses to get caught up in the hype.

"Yes, it's wonderful to see your name in the mix because you are getting recognized but, more importantly, it also means your team is doing well because there are a lot of factors involved," said Spiller, who, with 6,383 yards, is on pace to become just the fifth player in NCAA history to reach 7,000 yards in a career. He also continues to wear a protective walking boot to protect his lingering turf toe injury suffered in the season's second game against Boston College.

"I am just going out there and having fun really, playing hard for my teammates and my team," Spiller continued. "I can't control what other guys [Heisman hopefuls] are doing. I can just control what I do and how I can help our team win games and put us in position to compete for championships around here."



Psst, come on C.J. What did you really think the first time you saw the life-sized poster of yourself?

"It brought a smile to my face -- even though everyone was making fun of my smile," Spiller laughed.

"My mom liked it. But, honestly, it's neat knowing that so many people are pulling for you and so many young people look up to you. I want to be the person they can follow on and off the field."

And, in the end, make their own decisions and plays.

Just like Spiller has done at Clemson.