One of the most overlooked players on Clemson’s 2015 roster at the start of the season was defensive end Kevin Dodd, but no one is overlooking him now.
The former Tiger, who declared for the NFL Draft last week, is now projected to be a top-10 pick by some in April’s NFL Draft and no worse than a late first-round selection.
The Riverside High School standout from Greer, S.C., committed to Clemson back in 2010 but had to spend the 2011 season at Hargrave Military Academy.
When he arrived at Clemson, he became buried in the depth chart behind current NFL athletes, Vic Beasley, Malliciah Goodman, Corey Crawford and Tavaris Barnes. Although the world had not yet taken notice of him, Dodd was silently working.
He recorded 21 tackles, three tackles for loss and four quarterback pressures in the 219 snaps he racked in 24 games in his first two seasons at Clemson. Most of his stats came in 2014 as Clemson tried to build its depth at defensive end.
When Beasley and Crawford exhausted their eligibility, most people had faith in Shaq Lawson’s ability to fill Beasley’s shoes, but no one was really sure what Dodd was capable of doing on the other side.
Dodd knew the 2015 could make a name for himself, and it certainly did.
In Clemson’s run to the National Championship Game, Dodd recorded 62 tackles with 23.5 tackles for loss. He also had an impressive 12 sacks and a forced fumble. His tackle for loss total ranked second in the nation behind teammate Lawson, and his sack total ranked seventh nationally. Dodd had at least one sack in each of the last five games of Clemson’s season.
In the post season, the 6-foot-5, 275-pound end was incredibly productive. He had 3.5 tackles for loss and a sack against Oklahoma in the Orange Bowl. He played even better against Alabama in the National Championship Game when he recorded a career-high in both tackles for loss (5) and sacks (3). Dodd’s five tackles for loss also set a Clemson postseason record, while topping the chart as the highest amount by any player in the postseason.
ESPN, SI.com and USA Today all recognized Dodd by adding him to their respective All-Bowl teams, praising him along with quarterback Deshaun Watson, and offensive linemen Eric Mac Lain and Mitch Hyatt.
It is safe to say Dodd truly made a name for himself in 2015.
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.
