SEABROOK – Four-star defensive tackle Nyles Pinckney announced on Friday afternoon that he had committed to Clemson.

Moments after making the decision before a crowded gym at Whale Branch Early College High School, Pinckney spoke with TheClemsonInsider about his decision.

Here’s a transcript of that interview between Pinckney and TCI:

Is this a big relief for you?

Pinckney: I feel more comfortable now that I made my decision. I can just focus on my team and football right now.

When did you know for sure that this would be the decision?

Pinckney: At 12 o’clock today when I called coach Swinney and I had everything in my mind set that I was going to go there and work hard. I believe everything he said.

What did coach Swinney say?

Pinckney: When I made that phone call, he was kind of slow, then I told him I wanted to be a Clemson Tiger. He just gave a big yell. He said he was about to go on a jog and he said he’d probably run the fastest mile he has ever ran.

Did he think you were going to tell him news he didn’t want to hear?

Pinckney: I think, at first. I felt it was a courtesy thing to call the coach first, before I made my decision, because he was the one that gave me the scholarship. I felt it was right that I gave it to him.

Why Clemson? What led you to want to continue your career there?

Clemson, at the end of the day, they’ll make me a better player and a better man. My parents,

they’re both Christians. Coach Swinney is a good Christian man. That’s what I liked about him. I

feel like he’s going to make me better as a Christian and in all aspects.

How about coach (Dan) Brooks and the success he’s had at Clemson and elsewhere?

Pinckney: Coach Brooks, he’s a good coach. I hear a lot of great things from him and the things he’s done the last few years and I feel like he’s going to make me a better player.

How about your relationship with coach (Tony) Elliott?

Pinckney: We have a really great relationship. During the whole process, he’s been nothing but honest to me about everything, answer any questions if I have any. We have a good relationship, not just football, but family-wise.

Why do you want to enroll early?

Pinckney: To get me a step ahead. I’ll be able to play spring ball, so I can learn and try to move myself up the depth chart.

Playing as soon as possible, did that go into your decision to enroll early?

Pinckney: If it’s possible, I want to play. I’ll work hard to get there.

The direction of Clemson’s program, how much did that play a part in your decision?

Pinckney: Well, these past few seasons, I’ve watched a lot of Clemson football. They’ve been playing really well. Coach Swinney is consistent and he keeps the team working hard. You don’t see much things in the news about their players getting in trouble or anything like that and I really like how they’ll coach me.

Do you have a message for Clemson fans?

Pinckney: Mostly, I just want to say I’m ready to work hard and get there.