Former Columbus football player is headed to Clemson

In the end, Chattahoochee County senior long snapper Ty Lucas saw Clemson as an opportunity he couldn’t pass up.

Lucas, who played at Columbus High for three years, accepted a preferred walk-on position with the Tigers on Friday. Lucas’ decision was a change of plans, as he initially intended on playing at Georgia State.

“Coach (Dabo) Swinney is an awesome man all around and really wanted me to go to Clemson. What he’s doing and has done with the program is just amazing,” Lucas said. “For me to have an opportunity to be a part of that, I just couldn’t turn it down. The atmosphere from the campus to the team and the facilities, everything was just amazing.”

Lucas said Clemson really came into the picture for him three weeks ago. Tigers coaches had been in contact with him since a summer camp, but at that point Swinney and special teams coach Danny Pearman truly showed their interest.

Lucas said Swinney invited him to Clemson for a visit. The two talked for a while, and it didn’t take Lucas much longer to make a decision. Lucas committed while on the visit.

“They gave me that opportunity that all kids wish for,” Lucas said. “It was the greatest feeling I’ve ever experienced. Knowing that I can continue the sport of football at such a great school with great people is just amazing. It just shows how good God really is.”

Though he might only see action on fourth downs, Lucas is committed to making the most of every moment he takes the field for the Tigers.

“I’m going to work my butt off day in and day out in the classroom, weight room and on the field,” Lucas said. “I may be only on the field for a few plays every game, but I’m going to make every time count and strive for perfection in everything I do.”

This story was originally published March 6, 2018 at 5:36 PM with the headline "Former Columbus football player is headed to Clemson."