CLEMSON, S.C. -- Nearly every day, Clemson defensive end Clelin Ferrell can count on a text message from his mom. He's the youngest -- by far -- of nine and away from home, so Faye Farrell still feels a need to baby her boy, even if, at 6-foot-5, 265 pounds, her boy is most certainly a full-grown man.
She'll text a bible verse or a wise quote she'd heard. She calls, too. He doesn't always call back right away, but Faye knows it's just Clelin looking for some space. He's still thinking of her, about the advice she's shared most often.