FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — It appeared Miami quarterback Malik Rosier was in the clear when he broke containment and sprinted to the sideline on a third-and-five play from his own 14 early in the fourth quarter of No. 6 Clemson’s 58-0 victory at Sun Life Stadium on Saturday.
But just as he was about to pick up the first down, Rosier was dragged down by a 6-foot-3, 332-pound defensive tackle who somehow caught him from behind just short of the marker. When Rosier up looked to see who it was, he saw it was Clemson’s senior defensive tackle D.J. Reader.
“How about that guy running over there and making that play on the sideline on third down? That is a big load, man! He has some fresh legs, I will tell you that,” Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney said.
Like everyone wearing Clemson Orange on Saturday, Swinney was glad to see Reader back on the field doing what he loves to do – play football.
“It was good (to be back),” Reader said. “We looked good as a defense. Everybody was flying around. It was good to be out there with the guys. It’s good to be back.”
Two months ago, Reader wasn’t sure he would ever wear the Tiger Paw again. The senior left the team indefinitely in August, just two weeks before the season-opener against Wofford.
“I had a mental issue, and problems I had to take care of,” he said. “Coach Swinney gave me the opportunity to go take care of them, and I’m glad he gave me that opportunity.”
Though he was away from the team, Reader stayed in enrolled in school, went to class and worked out to stay in shape.
“It was just a good time for me. I’m grateful I had the opportunity to do it,” Reader said. “Coach Swinney blessed me and allowed me to be able to do it. I think the team did very well. I could not be more proud of my guys. I’m glad to be back working.”
Reader hopes he can come in and add some leadership to a defense that he feels did great without him.
“I’m just going to fit in where I can. I don’t expect too much,” he said. “They have been doing a great job and they have been doing their routine. I just expect to come in and fit in where I can fit in.”
Reader got in on several plays on Saturday, including a few in the second quarter. He helped the Tigers hold Miami to 146 total yards, including 53 on the ground.
“They’re good. Those guys have been playing really well,” Reader said about the play of the defense. “I cannot ask more from them so I’m just glad I get to join those guys.”
Reader spent the last two months watching his team move up the rankings, including their 24-22 victory over No. 11 Notre Dame.
“I’ve been watching them and encouraging them. I would send them text messages at halftime, check in with them and just encourage those guys,” Reader said. “I would see them all the time on campus. I was still around.
“It was really hard. It was really tough. It is hard when you are not living your normal life, but you know I had something I needed to take care of. It is good to be back.”
Swinney could not agree more.
“It was good to see D.J. back. I’m happy for him,” Swinney said. “It is good to see him back out there. I was not sure how much we would get him in there, but it worked out. He played a good bit. That will help him and help us as we continue to move forward with the schedule.”