Clemson’s newest commitment, in-state DT Seth Tillman, is coming off what had to be a very emotional week.

The four-star talent, out of South Pointe High School, announced a verbal pledge to the Tigers on Saturday, choosing Dabo Swinney’s program over Georgia, Michigan and South Carolina. However, just a few days before Tillman went public with his commitment, he lost his father, Reginald Tillman, after a lengthy illness.

Fortunately, Seth was able to have a private “commitment ceremony” with his father and other family members ahead of the passing. Early Monday, Seth shared some moments from that private ceremony publicly.

“My family and I did a private commitment celebration with my dad before he died last week,” Tillman posted to X. “My dad is my hero and will forever be sketched in my heart!”

Seth becomes one of Clemson’s highest-rated commitments, with Rivals ranking him No. 116 overall and No. 11 among all defensive tackles in the class. He’s also the second DT to announce a verbal pledge, joining three-star in-state prospect Jaden Wuerth, who announced in the spring.

As a junior, Seth played a key role in helping lead his high school team to a 4A state title, racking up 61 tackles, 27 tackles for loss and 8.5 sacks.

The Tigers now hold 25 verbal pledges in a 2027 class that 247 ranks No. 12 overall.