Clemson redshirt junior Dorian O’Daniel has paid his dues and waited patiently for the opportunity to start at nickel linebacker. Now that the opportunity is here heading into the 2016 season, O’Daniel is ready to cash in.

In 2014, O’Daniel played mostly on special teams, logging only 87 snaps at nickel behind starter Korrin Wiggins.

In 2015, O’Daniel played more frequently, recording 32 tackles and 5.5 tackles for loss in 181 snaps, but slotted in behind Travis Blanks on the two-deep.

Finally at the top of the depth chart at nickel, in front of Korrin Wiggins and Jalen Williams, O’Daniel said it feels nice to be the starter.

“It definitely feels good,” O’Daniel said during fall camp. “It’s definitely a confidence booster.”

Over the offseason, O’Daniel worked hard to further his knowledge of the game and his responsibilities in both pass coverage and run defense.

“I put a lot of hard work in this offseason to where I feel like I deserve (to start),” O’Daniel said.

With that said, O’Daniel doesn’t feel entitled to the starting spot. He knows that players such as Wiggins, who was productive across 521 snaps at nickel in 2014, are pushing him for his job.

“I can’t stop now,” O’Daniel said. “I have to keep working and keep getting better every day.”

O’Daniel said Wiggins, who tore his ACL before the 2015 season, looks confident and like the player he did before the injury.

“He looks good,” O’Daniel said. “I even asked him if he feels like he’s holding himself back, and he said he feels fine, just like the same player before. He’s making some good plays out here and getting back to his old self, for sure.”

Though O’Daniel is now the guy at nickel, he isn’t taking his position on special teams lightly.

That’s where O’Daniel made his biggest mark in 2015, when he led the Tigers with 19 tackles on special teams.

O’Daniel’s presence in kickoff coverage remains important considering Clemson’s weakness in that area last year.

“I’m still on the kickoff team, so I’m excited about that,” O’Daniel said. “Any way I can contribute to help the team win, I’m all for it.”

Having bided his time, O’Daniel is relishing his new starting gig.

Starting with Auburn in less than three weeks, O’Daniel is excited to “reap the benefits” on the field.

“It’s very humbling, and I’m very excited about my opportunity because I’ve been waiting for a very long time,” O’Daniel said. “I’ve been very patient and paid my dues.

“Now, I’m ready to reap the benefits.”