One of Clemson football’s most confident players, Jayron Kearse, was not so confident when it came to choosing where he wanted to continue his football career after high school.

Kearse attended South Fort Myers high school, the same school that produced Sammy Watkins, where he became a four-star recruit rated as the No. 16 athlete in the nation by Rivals.com and 247Sports.com.

After, committing then decommitting from Auburn and Miami, Kearse confidently made his decision to continue his football career at Clemson University.

At 6-foot-5, 220 pounds, the Clemson safety grew to be an impact on the Clemson team. As a junior, Kearse had 62 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, six pass breakups, and an interception.

The season before, he accounted for 67 total tackles, (fifth on the team), five tackles for loss including three sacks, two interceptions, and a fumble recovery.

During his freshmen year, Kearse started only three games, but still led the team with four interceptions.

“I’m very confident in myself,” said Kearse. “I feel like whatever I’m doing I’m the best at it until somebody shows me otherwise.”

Kearse’s athletic ability along with his confident yet chippy attitude gave him the ability to compete at high levels against some of the best athletes in college football and will now give him the chance to take his skills to the next level, the NFL.

“Even if there’s a spitting contest I want to win,” he said. “If I’m losing then I feel like I’m not doing the best I can. I don’t want to lose at anything I’m doing.”

Kearse recently announced his decision on social media to take the next step and declare for the 2016 NFL draft.

“I think the NFL is what I need to take my game to the next level and that’s why I ultimately made the decision I’ve made. It’s been great and I’ll always be a Tiger and forever be grateful for this wonderful gift of me being able to be apart of Clemson University,” he said in a prepared statement.

Teammate, Shaq Lawson, seemed very confident in Kearse’s ability to enter the NFL before Kearse announced his decision. Lawson said the safety reminded him of Seattle Seahawks safety, Cam Chancellor.

“They play just alike. He’s got an NFL body. He’ll be ready,” Lawson said.

Being the nephew of Jevon Kearse, a former All-American linebacker at Florida and Tennessee Titan and Philadelphia Eagles defensive end, who accounted for 74 career sacks over his 11 years in the NFL and was nicknamed “The Freak”, gives all reason to believe Kearse will be able to take his knowledge of football and his athletic ability to the next level.

“Who does not want to go in the first round? I understand football. Not everyone can go in the first round. There are thirty two picks,” Kearse said. “If I’m first or second, I’m for it. All I need is a shot.”

If you haven’t already order your copy today of Guts & Glory – Tales of Clemson’s Historic 2015 Football Season to help you celebrate and remember this special season.