Dodd becomes No. 20

CUTigers learned that 2011 defensive end Kevin Dodd committed to Clemson before Saturday's game versus Georgia Tech.

DE Kevin Dodd Profile

The Riverside (Greer) senior defensive lineman pulled the trigger Saturday afternoon before the 27-13 win over Georgia Tech.

“After the Tiger Walk, I went into Dabo’s office and did it. He asked me if I’m sure that I wanted to go there, and I said I’m 100 percent sure,” Dodd told CUTigers after the game. “He said we’re going to make this plan to make things work—just stick to the plan, and stay 100 percent.

“I said, ‘Yeah. I’m all in.’”

Dodd picked up the offer from Clemson on Monday afternoon.

“I was on the way to my seventh period class and Dabo wanted me to call him as soon as possible,” he said.

Before Saturday’s trip, Dodd had taken several unofficial visits to Clemson, including a three-day stay at the Dabo Swinney Football Camp this past summer.

“When I went over the summer, the coaches made me feel like a family,” Dodd said. “It’s close to home. I won’t have a problem getting back home. I can stay close to my family. I’m real attached to my family.”

Tennessee State offered not long ago, but it was the Tigers’ offer that he’d been looking to get for the past several months.

“It was kind of unreal. I’ve been waiting on that one from day one,” Dodd said.

Committing to Clemson had been on his mind for several days before the visit.

“That was in the back of my head. I knew it as soon as he gave me the offer,” Dodd said.

Running backs coach/special teams coordinator Andre Powell has served as Dodd’s main recruiter.

“He was excited when I committed. He’s been recruiting me since day one,” Dodd said.

As a senior, he has nine sacks on the season.