CLEMSON – Coming out a victory versus Wake Forest Saturday carried extra weight for many members of the team. One of those who felt it the most was sophomore cornerback Toriano Pride Jr.

In last year’s matchup where Clemson surrendered 45 points and 447 yards of offense, the Tigers defender faced some of his toughest challenges as a freshman. According to PFF, he allowed three catches for 35 yards and a touchdown over four targets. It was a day Pride wasn’t very proud of, and he was thrust into the position at an early time.

“I just remember, that game was crazy. From start to finish, that game was crazy. I got a lot of snaps…as a freshman, I think that was the most, I was playing a lot. I didn’t expect to play a lot that game, so it was just fast. Super fast, that’s all I can really say,” Pride said.

He also mentioned the atmosphere, and having to battle through three overtimes to come out with the win. A year later, absences for Nate Wiggins and Sheridan Jones forced him into this position against the Demon Deacons.

This time, Pride was ready and Wake Forest’s pass game was smothered with just 137 yards and no touchdowns to show for it. He smiled and said he’d tell last year’s self “you did it, you stepped up.”

2023’s iteration had some extra weight because his mother’s birthday was Sunday, so he got to celebrate with her a day early thanks to his strong performance for the Tigers. Pride says it was largely a confidence thing, and it’s something he has a lot of now.

“I’m more confident when I step up, when I play press, when I play off. I think that really comes from just practicing, working out, do what I do over the summer and in the offseason. Just staying consistent,” Pride said.

There was a lot of mental work Pride had to go through within himself, and it’s paid off with his best performance to date at Clemson. Moving forward, he’s earned the right to opportunity, and Pride will step up if his name is called again for the Tigers.