CLEMSON – Clemson’s Harris Sewell is a Texas native. Like all his fellow Texans, he likes his Mexican food, and of course he loves his football.

Not only was he born and raised to play the game, but he also had the opportunity to attend Permian High School, a powerhouse team that is also the school featured in the original novel and movie Friday Night Lights.

Growing up in Odessa, Texas, a place where attending football games was the equivalent of attending church on Sundays, Sewell was more than prepared for the big stage of college football.

The offensive lineman began to take football seriously around the seventh grade, when he decided to switch from private school to the feeder school that led to Permian.

“Going to the games and being in that atmosphere made me realize what a big deal playing for Permian would be,” Sewell said.

Having the opportunity to play football at such a prestigious school was unforgettable.

“It was awesome,” Sewell said. “People always ask me if it is like how it is portrayed in the movie, and I would say it really is.”

Sewell went on to say that their cross-town rivalry game would draw in 20,000 locals, with the line to get into the game going on for miles. Sewell also mentioned the dedicated fan base for Permian football and how they are “die-hard fans” who come to every single game.

A highly sought after recruit, Sewell was looking for his home away from Odessa. When asked about the ability to play for the Tigers, he said that he felt prepared to take his Texas roots to Tigertown.

“I was confident in myself, but I wasn’t expecting anything. I was going to do whatever they needed me to do, and that’s what I’m doing right now,” he said.

The freshman also noted how playing for a big football school in Texas is similar to playing for Clemson, as both have big targets on their backs and are considered the rival for several other teams.

“Everyone hated us [at Permian],” Sewell admitted. “I feel like we aren’t liked at Clemson either, so it’s kind of the same deal.”

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