Work hard all week, then game day rolls around and you don’t even dress out.

Stepping on the field isn’t even an option.

Kaleb Chalmers wasn’t used to 2015, his redshirt year.

“It hurt,” he said, before pausing. “Actually, I wouldn’t say hurt, it was just different, because this was my first year not really playing football, so it was more of a learning experience.”

The former three-star cornerback recruit from Greenwood is content with the decision to keep him from seeing the field in 2015. The redshirt, he said, was for the best.

“Now that I look back on it, I’m kind of glad I did. It helped me grow. It got me ready physically and mentally, so now I feel like I’m more ready to play college football,” he said.

With the early, but expected departure of Mackensie Alexander, there’s a significant opening on the Tigers’ two-deep depth chart. Chalmers (5-11, 180) used this fall to work on his game, to help ensure that he’s ready to compete for that spot once spring practice gets going.

“Just my technique overall. Just my whole game, period. I felt like I needed to change my game, be more of a technician, instead of just being physical,” Chalmers said. “I did that a lot over my redshirt year.”

Being apart of Clemson’s run to the National Championship was fun, too. Even though he didn’t log a snap this season, Chalmers took pride in knowing he did have a role.

“I love seeing my boys ball. When I see them, I know I’ve got a part of it, too, because I worked with them every day in practice,” he said. “It didn’t really hurt, but I loved it. As long as everybody else is doing good, I’m cool with it.”

For Chalmers, the plan for 2016 isn’t any different.

“Just to get better and be back here next year,” he said.

If you haven’t already order your copy today of Guts & Glory – Tales of Clemson’s Historic 2015 Football Season to help you celebrate and remember this special season.