By Heath Bradley.
Daniel Rodriguez’s journey to Clemson is unlike any other. A high school football player in Virginia, turned highly decorated Army veteran, Rodriguez is now making the transition to college athlete. Following losing his father after completing high school, Rodriguez enlisted in the Army and was quickly sent to the Middle East. During a tour of duty in Afghanistan, Rodriguez’s life would change forever.
On October 3, 2009, Rodriguez was involved in the Battle of Kamdesh in the Nuristan province in Afghanistan. Stationed at American Combat Post Keating, Rodriguez and other members of Bravo troop, 3rd Squadron, 61st Calvary regiment as well as Afghan National Forces were attacked by over 300 insurgents. At around 3:00 am insurgents ambushed the base from all directions. Over nearly the next 18 hours, American forces who were outnumbered nearly 5 to 1, fought back the insurgents. Fighting lasted late into the day before the insurgents finally retreated. In the battle, eight US soldiers were killed and 22 were wounded. Rodriguez was one of those 22 wounded. Rodriguez was awarded with a Purple Heart and a Bronze Star Medal with Valor.
However, Rodriguez was determined to not let his experiences in the Army define who he was and who he would become. Rodriguez had always loved the game of football. From the first time he put the pads on as a child, he knew this was the sport for him. A talented high school football player at Brooke Point High School Stafford, Virginia, Rodriguez played wide receiver and cornerback as well as served as the backup quarterback and holder. Hard times hit Rodriguez in high school, his grades began to suffer and by the time he graduated, he wanted to play football, but did not know what was next for him. After losing his father, he chose the military, while wishing he was still able to play the game he loved.
While overseas, Rodriguez would spend many nights discussing sports, especially football with his fellow troops. They would discuss how much they loved watching and playing the game. One day Rodriguez and fellow soldier Kevin Thompson had a conversation that propelled Rodriguez to where he is today. Rodriguez and Thompson made a pact, one where Rodriguez when finished in the military would give every effort to play collegiate football. Unfortunately, Thompson will not be in attendance to see Rodriguez suit up for his first game as a Tiger in the Georgia Dome. Thompson was one of the eight soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice that day at the Battle of Kamdesh, losing his life to protect our freedom.
When Rodriguez returned to the states, he knew the time was time to live his dream, not only for himself but also for his fallen comrade. Rodriguez began to train everyday, often twice a day to improve his football skills back to where they were, if not better, than they were in high school. After training for some time, Rodriguez and friends made a training video, which he sent to multiple college coaches. After placing the video on YouTube, his story spread almost instantaneously. Multiple college coaches started showing interest. One was Dabo Swinney who contacted Rodriguez about the possibility of walking on to the Clemson football team.
Rodriguez took and unofficial visit to Clemson during his spring break and fell in love with Clemson, knowing this is where he wanted to play. While Rodriguez, a native Virginian grew up a Virginia Tech fan, the Hokies coaching staff was not as willing as the Tigers to take necessary steps to help Rodriguez become eligible to play. After countless hours of work from the Clemson Compliance Office, waivers completed, and visits with the NCAA and ACC, Rodriguez was cleared this week to officially suit up for the Tigers.
Tomorrow afternoon when the Tigers take the field for the first time in the 2012 season, Rodriguez will take the next step in realizing his dream of playing college football. Rodriguez will have traded his combat helmet for a football, a helmet that he has looked so forward to wearing during his time overseas. It is only fitting that Rodriguez will have the opportunity to take the field later this season on Military Appreciation Day. The opponent will be none other than the Virginia Tech Hokies. It will be a very special day for Rodriguez, he will get to play on such a special day at Clemson, against the team he grew up loving, and to cap it off, it is the birthday of his late father. It is sure to be a very emotional day for Rodriguez, however knowing his story and the kind of young man he is, he will take it in stride and represent himself, the university, and his country with the utmost class and respect.