Daniel Rodriguez

Original walk-on wide receiver who attended Clemson on the GI Bill … decorated war hero who served approximately 18 months (starting Jan. 26, 2007) in Iraq and one year in Afghanistan … served in the Army from 2006-10 … achieved the military rank of Sergeant … involved in Battle of Kamdesh in Afghanistan on Oct. 3, 2009, when 300 Taliban insurgents battled with 38 U.S. troops; eight Americans lost their lives and 22 were injured, including Rodriguez, in one of the most violent battles in the war; earned a Purple Heart and the Bronze Star Medal With Valor Device for his heroism at Kamdesh … his story was featured on many national shows and programs … had 11 receptions for 39 yards and one touchdown, a five-yard carry and six punt returns for 57 yards in 188 snaps over 39 games (one start) in his career … saw most of his action on special teams.

2014: Armed Forces Merit Award winner … Medal of Honor Bowl invitee … had a nine-yard reception and 26-yard punt return in 69 snaps over 13 games (one start) … had an 11-yard kickoff return against SC State on Sept. 6 … played four snaps against North Carolina on Sept. 27; it was his first career start … had a nine-yard reception and 26-yard punt return against Georgia State on Nov. 22; named team special teams player-of-the-game … had five receptions for 53 yards in the Spring Game.

2013: Semifinalist for the Armed Forces Merit Award … All-ACC Academic selection … ACC Academic Honor Roll member … had seven receptions for 20 yards and one touchdown, a five-yard carry and five punt returns for 31 yards in 73 snaps over 13 games … had a five-yard carry in eight snaps against SC State on Sept. 7 … had three receptions for 10 yards and 18 yards on two punt returns against Wake Forest on Sept. 28 … had a six-yard reception at Syracuse on Oct. 5 … had a five-yard reception and two punt returns for 10 yards at Virginia on Nov. 2 … had two receptions for -1 yards, including a two-yard touchdown, and a three-yard punt return against The Citadel on Nov. 23 on Military Appreciation Day.

2012: Won the Discover Orange Bowl-FWAA Courage Award … won the USAA Athletic Inspiration Award … attended the ESPYs as a finalist for the Jim Valvano Perseverance Award … semifinalist for the Armed Forces Merit Award … had three receptions for 10 yards in 46 snaps over 13 games … played special teams against No. 25 Auburn at Atlanta, Ga. on Sept. 1; it was his first career game … had a four-yard reception against Ball State on Sept. 8; it was his first career reception … played seven snaps against Furman on Sept. 15 … had a special teams tackle against Virginia Tech on Oct. 20; led the team down the Hill carrying an American flag on Military Appreciation Day … had one reception at Wake Forest on Oct. 25 … had a 10-yard reception at Duke on Nov. 3.

Before Clemson: Enrolled at Germanna Community College, which does not offer athletics, in the spring of 2011 … named 2011 Southern Pigskin Person-of-the-Year … played three seasons (2003-05) at Brooke Point High School … played slot receiver, running back, cornerback, holder, quarterback and returned kicks … his team reached the regional playoffs as a senior … played against many future NFL players who attended Virginia Tech, including Eddie Royal … played four seasons of basketball as a point guard … coached by Jeff Berry at Brooke Point High.

Personal: His sister, Veronica, played volleyball and basketball at Tennessee Temple … graduated Dec. 18, 2014 with a degree in parks, recreation & tourism management … born Jan. 8, 1988.