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College Football Playoff: Five Players to Watch in the National Championship

By Jerran Anderson

Dec 31, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive lineman Jonathan Allen (93) walks on the field during the first quarter in the 2016 CFP Semifinal against the Washington Huskies at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 31, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive lineman Jonathan Allen (93) walks on the field during the first quarter in the 2016 CFP Semifinal against the Washington Huskies at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 26, 2016; Clemson, SC, USA; Mandatory Credit: Joshua S. Kelly-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 26, 2016; Clemson, SC, USA; Mandatory Credit: Joshua S. Kelly-USA TODAY Sports /

3. LB Ben Boulware, Clemson

Linebacker Ben Boulware has been all over the field for the Clemson defense. The Tigers will need Boulware at his very best in the National Championship game.

Boulware leads the team in tackles with 110. He’s also got 9.5 tackles for loss, 4.0 sacks and three forced fumbles in 2016. He’s turned up his level of play in big games so far for the Clemson Tigers this season.

Against the Louisville Cardinals back on October 1, Boulware registered a season-high 18 total tackles, three tackles for loss, a sack and a fumble recovery. Against the Florida State Seminoles back on October 29, he recorded 6 total tackles, a tackle for loss and a sack. In the ACC Championship Game against Virginia Tech on December 3, he recorded 10 total tackles. He had five total tackles in their 31-0 shutout of Ohio State in the Fiesta Bowl.

Tonight’s game will be a tough defensive battle and Boulware’s presence on the field will have the Clemson defense ready to play. A stellar performance in the National Championship Game could elevate Boulware’s stock in the NFL Draft as well. Right now, Boulware ranks as the 343rd overall player in the 2017 NFL Draft, according to CBS Sports.

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