By Anthony Caruso III | Publisher
Three players for the Clemson Tigers football program have been ruled ineligible for the team’s upcoming Bowl game. The players are ineligible to compete in the Chick-fil-A Bowl against the Auburn Tigers on New Year’s Eve.
The players include starting linebackers Nick Watkins and Tramaine Billie. The other player ineligible is starting offensive tackle Christian Capote.

All three are ineligible to play due to poor academic performance, according to the school.
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“I am disappointed that these young men will not be able to play in our bowl game with Auburn,” said Clemson Coach Tommy Bowden. “They had every opportunity to retain their eligibility. The staff at Vickery Hall did everything it could to provide them with tutors and assist them with their studies. But, they are accountable for their academic performance. “All three can still graduate from Clemson and I will do everything I can to encourage them to do so.”
The player with the biggest impact has been Watkins, who has led the team in tackles the last two seasons. His impact will be felt more in the Bowl contest.
Watkins led the team with 116 tackles during the 2006 season. This past season, he had 118 tackles before being ruled ineligible to play in the final game of the season.
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Billie was third on the team with 79 tackles. Capote has started 12 games for the team at right tackle.
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