MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. -- Clemson defensive tackle D.J. Reader had just played in his first game in 10 months and stood ready to answer questions.
He knew many would have nothing to do with his performance in a 58-0 win over Miami on Sunday, and yet he took every single one, delivering the reasons why he walked out on his team during fall practice.
Reader says the decision was all his own, after feeling he was not mentally ready to play. His father’s death still weighed on him, but Reader says he also felt he needed to grow up.