ROCK HILL, S.C. — While lightning might have pushed the opening kickoff back almost an hour, once things were underway, Clemson commit Seth Tillman’s senior season couldn’t have gotten off to a much better start.

The four-star defensive tackle helped lead a suffocating defensive effort for South Pointe as the Stallions dominated cross-county rival Nation Ford 56-0 on a rainy night in Rock Hill.

Tillman was about as disruptive as any defensive tackle can be during a dominant first quarter that saw South Pointe jump out to a quick 28-0 lead. Despite facing double teams all night, and plays designed to go away from him, Tillman racked up multiple tackles for loss and forced a fumble in the first quarter alone. His forced fumble was one of five turnovers for the Stallions.

Coming off a 4A state title last season, Friday night sure felt like this South Pointe team was intent on coming out and making a statement.

“That there was no dropoff,” Tillman told The Clemson Insider. “Everybody thought we were going to have a major dropoff, but we are still going to be really good. We are probably going to win state again this year.”

Tillman was downright dominant, helping the Stallions’ defense force one three-and-out after another. With his team holding a comfortable 35-0 lead at the half, Tillman was able to watch the final two quarters from the sidelines.

However, those first two quarters were something to behold. Tillman made his presence felt on Nation Ford’s first possession, picking up his first tackle for loss. On the next possession, his second tackle for loss came on a third down, which in turn led to another punt. Two possessions later, Tillman forced a fumble on his third tackle for loss in the first quarter, with the South Pointe offense quickly responding by scoring its fourth touchdown of the opening frame.

During his two quarters of action, Tillman showed exactly how disruptive he can be. He lived in the opposing backfield, consistently pushing Nation Ford offensive linemen backwards. His ability to overpower opponents was impressive, as was his ability to get off the ball.

While it was exactly the start Tillman and his teammates were looking for, he realizes the win was just one step towards the ultimate goal.

“Winning state again,” Tillman said.

Last season, Tillman racked up 61 tackles, 27 tackles for loss and 8.5 sacks. Rivals ranks him No. No. 116 overall, No. 11 among all defensive tackles in the 2027 class and No. 2 in the Palmetto State.

The 6-foot-4, 300-pounder committed to Clemson back in July, a few weeks after his official visit.