We’re over a week into the month of July and the start of preseason camp is within shouting distance. Unfortunately, real, live college football is still several weeks away.

As the dog days of summer roll on, TheClemsonInsider continues its look back at the recruitment of several of Clemson’s returning players.

DT [autotag]Roderick Byers[/autotag], Rock Hill – RS Senior

Byers’ first visit to Clemson was in December of 2008, when Northwestern played South Pointe in the AAAA-II state championship game in Death Valley. He was back the following fall to see the Boston College game.

By the time his senior season rolled around, Byers listed South Carolina, Georgia Tech and Clemson as his favorites, even though the Tigers hadn’t yet offered.

Oregon entered the picture when Byers took an official visit to Eugene in January of 2011. He committed to the Ducks after returning home to Rock Hill.

A few days later, Byers backed away from his commitment. Clemson completed the flip when he popped for the Tigers on Signing Day.

“When I talked to coach (Dabo) Swinney, the first time I talked to him, he really didn’t know what kind of guy I was. I asked him,” Byers said. “He was talking about football and school. I asked him, ‘Where do you stand with God?’ That just opened up the door.”

Jeff Scott served as Byers’ area recruiter to Clemson.