CLEMSON — Clemson defensive tackle Vic Burley is happy these days.

Why?

Because he is back on the football field playing the game he loves to play. It’s something he admits he took for granted following the Tigers’ 37-0 win over the Charleston Southern Saturday at Memorial Stadium.

“This year, I’ve had some downs. I had a very big down that I’m not proud of,” Burley said after the game. “But then again, I want to give thanks to Coach (Dabo) Swinney for giving me another opportunity to come back to the team.

“I want to thank the team for accepting me back, allowing me to be myself, again, and allowing me to continue to work and get better.”

On Saturday, Aug. 22, Burley was arrested and charged with disorderly conduct after he was allegedly found asleep at 2:15 a.m., by officers in his truck with the vehicle running. Burley eventually pleaded guilty to public disorderly conduct in a Clemson University Municipal Court and was granted a conditional discharge by Judge Lindsey Simmons.

Burley remains under court supervision for five more months and must do community service, among other things, to get his charges dismissed. The graduate senior was suspended indefinitely by Swinney on Aug. 22. However, Swinney lifted the suspension last month and the defensive tackle slowly worked his way back.

“I learned not take things for granted. I mean, I didn’t really take it for granted, but just watching the game that I love being stripped away from me and not being able to do it, you know, it just gives you a new appreciation for the game,” Burley said.

Burley played well on Saturday, as he helped the Clemson defense hold CSU to 76 total yards, including just 26 yards rushing. Burley had a fourth-down sack late in the game that preserved the Tigers’ first shutout in five years.