James Skalski
LB
#48
Experience: R
Height: 6-0
Age: 24
Weight: 228 lbs
College: Clemson
Biography
CAREER TRANSACTIONS:
- Signed by the Colts as an undrafted free agent on May 13, 2022.
COLLEGE:
- Played in 69 games (38 starts) at Clemson (2016-21) and finished with 310 tackles, 20.5 tackles for loss, 10.0 sacks, 12 passes defensed, two fumble recoveries (one returned for a touchdown) and one forced fumble. His 69 career games played tied for the school and modern FBS record.
- Skalski is a two-time National Champion (2016, 2018) and is the only player ever to play in (and win) five ACC Championship Games.
- Skalski was one of only 20 players in school history to earn at least three All-ACC Academic Team selections (2017, 2019 and 2021).
- In 2021, he was named a First Team All-ACC selection after he started all 13 games and tallied 100 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks and six passes defensed. He was a team captain and led the team in tackles. Named to the All-ACC Academic Team.
- As a redshirt senior, he garnered Second Team All-ACC accolades after he appeared in nine games (eight starts) and compiled 44 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, two passes defensed and one fumble recovery for a touchdown.
- In 2019, he started all 15 games and compiled 105 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, four passes defensed, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery. Named to the All-ACC Academic Team.
- Appeared in four games (one start) and recorded 10 tackles and 1.0 tackle for loss. In the National Championship Game win against Alabama, he registered two tackles.
- In 2017, he saw action in 14 games (two starts) and tallied 37 tackles, 2.0 tackles for loss and half a sack. He was an All-ACC Academic Team selection.
- As a freshman, he appeared in 14 games and compiled six tackles and eight special teams tackles. Helped the team win the College Football Playoff.
PERSONAL:
- Attended Northgate High School in Newnan, Ga.
- In 2015, he was named first team all-state as a linebacker and second team all-state as a punter.
- Named Region 4-AAAAA Defensive Player of the Year as a senior.
- As a senior, he tallied 170 tackles, 33.0 tackles for loss, 11.0 sacks, one interception and five forced fumbles.
- Handled kickoffs and was named a second team all-region selection.
- Was also a three-year starter in soccer and played football and soccer at the same time during the fall of 2013.
- Majored in communications and earned his master's degree in athletic leadership.
- His last name is pronounced SKAL-skee.
- A native of Sharpsburg, Ga.