Coming back to Clemson for a fifth year paid off for RJ Mickens.

The former Clemson safety was drafted in the sixth round by the Los Angeles Chargers in the NFL Draft with pick No. 214.

Mickens’ final season with the Tigers was arguably his best, with the defensive back finishing with 75 tackles, six tackles for loss, seven pass breakups and two interceptions.

Chargers’ general manager Joe Horitz met with members of the media following the conclusion of the draft to provide some insight into the pick, noting that the extra year really helped Mickens in their eyes.

“Mickens is an athletic safety with a lot of experience at Clemson,” Hortiz said. “Thoughts that he might come out last year. Talked about it last night, him staying for that extra year and developing, getting another year’s experience, maturity, growth, and that is what he did.”

During his five-year career with the Tigers, Mickens grew into one of the ACC’s most dependable safeties. Last season, he became just the tenth player in Clemson history to play in 60 games, a credit to his longevity and his durability.

He finished his career with 229 tackles (13.5 for loss), seven interceptions, 15 pass breakups and a fumble recovery.

Mickens is the son of former Texas A&M All-American defensive back Ray Mickens, Sr., who was a third-round pick in the 1996 NFL Draft by the New York Jets, where he spent eight seasons.

Now Mickens gets a shot at carrying on his father’s legacy, and that is exactly what Hortiz is expecting him to do.

“I feel like he will help us on the backend,” Hortiz added. “He is athletic, got instincts, range, ball skills. A willing tackler, they play him in the boundary. He will come down and mix it up. Not afraid.”