FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. -- Perhaps the best thing Clemson defensive end Kevin Dodd had going for him the past few years was his patience.
He had to wait to get to Clemson, spending a year at Hargrave Military Academy. He had to wait for his injured knee to heal after missing most of 2013. He had to wait for his turn to start, learning behind talented pass rushers just a step better than him.
Having all that patience proved to be an asset. Because when he got his opportunity to finally start this season, Dodd emerged as one of the biggest unsung heroes on the team, going from scrappy reserve to an important cog on a completely retooled defensive line.