Casen Jenkins enjoyed his time at Dabo Swinney’s football camp

Clemson coach Dabo Swinney held his youth football camp last weekend and over 800 kids attended. 

One of the campers was Casen Jenkins from Oak Ridge, TN. He and his mom, Heather made the 218 miles drive to Clemson on Friday.

Casen is proudly known as incoming Clemson freshman receiver, Tee Higgins‘ biggest fan. That distinction and the relationship with the Oak Ridge High star led to Jenkins becoming a big fan of Clemson football and of the Clemson coaches. Since my January article about the two friends, Jenkins has now made three trips to the Clemson campus.

After his initial visit in March, he returned in April for the Spring game and watched the Tigers’ baseball team beat Virginia Tech 12-1.

Now, let’s see what he thought about football camp. Last night, I caught up with the 10-year-old after his baseball practice.

How did it feel to be at Clemson and at Coach Swinney’s camp?

"Awesome! I loved working with the Clemson coaches and players!"

What position or positions did you play in camp?

"Wide Receiver, Running Back, Quarterback, Cornerback"

What was your favorite drill?

"Running the ball, Tackling Drills"

I know that Jeff Scott is one of your favorite coaches. Did you get to work with him?

"I didn’t actually work with him, but he and Coach Swinney were always walking around and watching us during our drills!"

What did coach say to you when he met you?

"He said, It’s great to see you here in Clemson! He told me that Coach Swinney was excited for me to be there! Of course, we talked about Tee too! Coach Scott told me that Tee would be on campus in just a few weeks!"

Favorite part of camp?

"Getting to tour the indoor football facility! I can’t believe they have a nap room!"

Did you get your mom to buy you a lot of Clemson stuff on this trip?

"Yes! Lots! I can dress Clemson style everyday!"

Do you want to come back next season?

"Definitely! I’ve already asked my mom if I can go back next year! She said,yes and I can’t wait! It was the best Camp ever!"

Why do you like Clemson so much?

"Clemson has great Christian coaches that inspire & motivate you to be the best at everything you do! Coach Swinney told us that Champions are made when no one is looking & championships are won, when the bleachers are empty!"

I think I know the answer to this question, but I will ask you anyway. Who is your favorite Clemson player?

"That’s easy! Tee Higgins!"

Casen Jenkins has continued his journey to ultimately fulfill his dream of being a Clemson Tiger. The journey started with the admiration of his favorite player and his favorite player’s future team. Now with a third visit and first football camp behind him, his journey will continue.

Most Tigers’ fans have seen the Clemson football video, “The Dream Realized” which starts with a kid wearing a Clemson t-shirt while playing with a football in the yard. It all starts with a dream, and Jenkins is one of those kids who has dreams of one day running down the hill in Death Valley.

Jenkins hopes his next visit to Clemson will be to see Higgins play in Death Valley.

Related Story: Dabo Swinney and Clemson have fans in Tennessee

Be sure to stay tuned to Rubbing The Rock for more news regarding incoming freshman, Tee Higgins and his biggest fan, Casen Jenkins.