CLEMSON — Every team has that one player with an unshakable heart—the one everyone wants to see succeed. For Clemson’s transfer wide receiver Tristan Smith, that’s exactly who he’s become.
A native of LaGrange, Ga., Smith’s path to Clemson wasn’t the smooth, straight-line journey many players take. After time at Southeast Missouri State and Hutchinson Community College, he found his way to Death Valley.
And he’s never taken a moment for granted.
It’s clear from his effort and attitude that Smith is simply grateful to be a Tiger and to play for a program like Clemson.
“It means everything just being here,” he said. “I mean, everyone knows my journey from where I started to where I am now.”
No matter the outcome of Clemson’s record or on a scoreboard, his love for Clemson never changes.
“I still love everything about being here,” he said. “The football, the coaches, the family.”
For Smith, Clemson has proved to him it’s not just about the game. It’s about the people and the support all around him.
“How they treat you off the field, outside of football, outside of the football part,” he said.
He’s quick to praise the coaching staff for everything they’ve taught him on and off the field.
“It’s really trying to develop you as a man. Ain’t nobody ever going to play football forever,” he said. “It’s really big on what I stand for.”
Even when the Tigers were 1-3, he never lost confidence in himself or his team.
“We’re always confident. We never lost that,” he said. “We don’t play to a record here. We play to a standard.”
What happens when that hard work pays off? The celebration is pure Clemson, just like the locker room after the Tigers’ win at North Carolina last Saturday.
“When we win, we dance,” Smith said.
As the season has gone on, Smith’s playing time has grown, but his focus hasn’t changed. He approaches every rep like it could be the one who defines him.
“Just practicing, so when my time comes I’m always ready,” he said. “Practicing like I’m a starter, practicing like I’m a first-round[er], the first overall pick.”
Smith will do whatever it takes to help Clemson win—even if it means fighting for a jump ball in double coverage.
“It starts with everybody.”
Smith didn’t grow up watching Clemson games, only catching the occasional highlight. But the time he chose Clemson as his team by accident on NCAA is one he’ll never forget.
“It’s kind of crazy because I’m here now,” he said.
As Clemson prepares to hit the road for an ACC matchup at Boston College on Saturday, one thing that is certain is Tristan Smith’s love and appreciation for everything Clemson stands for.
