Clemson defender giving up football: ‘It’s tough to let it go’
For the second time in a month, a Clemson defender is stepping away from football.
Clemson safety Ben Batson is giving up football due to injuries, he announced on his Instagram Thursday night.
A Clemson spokesperson said Batson is giving up the sport for concussion-related reasons. He is expected to remain with the program as a student coach and could assist his father — Clemson strength and conditioning coach Joey Batson — as a student assistant in the weight room.
“The game ends for us all eventually. It’s been an amazing journey with lots of great memories!” Ben Batson posted on Instagram. “It’s tough to let it go but God never says oops. Excited for the next chapter.”
Batson announced his decision a few weeks after linebacker Bryton Constantin announced he was giving up football due to knee injuries.
Batson played quarterback in high school, spending his first three years at Daniel High, before transferring to Dorman for his senior season.
He led the Cavaliers to the state title game as a senior, accounting for 2,993 yards.
Batson signed with Clemson as a safety in 2018 but served as the Tigers’ emergency quarterback that year after several QBs transferred, including Kelly Bryant and Hunter Johnson. Batson played 11 snaps at quarterback last season while also contributing on special teams.
The redshirt sophomore originally signed with Clemson as a walk-on in 2018 but was put on scholarship that summer when Johnson transferred. He was expected to play safety for the Tigers in 2020.
This story was originally published August 21, 2020 at 9:46 AM.
