Looks like this student-athlete may have a future in something other than sports.
A walk-on wide receiver for Clemson University is going viral after belting an impressive cover of the Chris Stapleton mega-hit, “Tennessee Whiskey.”
Written by the great Dean Dillon and Linda Hargrove, “Tennessee Whiskey” was originally recorded by David Allan Coe as the title track to his 1981 album. It peaked at just #77 on the U.S. Billboard Hot Country Singles chart in 1981, though George Jones’ 1983 cover peaked at #2 on the U.S. Billboard Hot Country Singles chart the year of its release.
The wide receiver turned singer is redshirt junior, Blackmon Huckabee, transferred to Clemson from Furman back in 2021.
Needless to say, he put together a soulful rendition of the song that even had coach Dabo Swinney awestruck, and snapping his fingers.
It was all put together after Dabo’s son, Clay, showed his dad Huckabee’s social media page, which is full of him singing cover songs.
Huckabee told Outkick:
“So our staff is in meetings right now, and our PAW Journey segment (which is our career development sector) asked about 9 of us to come and speak about the benefits of the program.
I went up and spoke in front of our entire staff and mentioned my social media brand and how I sing and that I’m going to tryout for American Idol this next season.”
The wideout also said that Swinney was ecstatic to find out how well he could sing:
“Afterward coach Swinney gave me some praise and then said that his son and my teammate Clay Swinney showed him my singing page.
He said he watched my videos for about an hour and then put me on the spot to sing in front of all the coaches and everything. Looks like they really enjoyed it.”
He also admitted that he’s happy to have finally revealed his hidden talent to his coaching staff:
“I’ve known I could sing for a while now, but didn’t know how to break it to everyone in the building.
So I just decided to go for it and I’m glad I did because it looks like I have their support.”
So, be sure to keep your eyes peeled for Blackmon Huckabee next season on American Idol.
The guy could seriously turn the judges’ heads.
Check it out:
@blackmonhuck Never in a million years did I think this would ever happen 😂 #clemsonfb #singing #singingfootballplayer #clemsonfootball #fyp ♬ original sound – Blackmon Huckabee
