AJ Terrell on his brother's big opener, prediction for Tigers-Bulldogs

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ATLANTA - For No. 14 Clemson’s season opener against No. 1 Georgia this Saturday (noon/ABC), the Tigers have chosen former Tiger and current Atlanta Falcons’ cornerback AJ Terrell as their Honorary Team Captain.

“It’s an honor to be selected as team captain. I feel like it’s mutual respect for myself and Clemson just giving me the opportunity to do that. Could’ve (chosen) anybody, but being in the hometown right at our stadium down in Mercedes-Benz and thinking of me to make that trip down there, (that) is huge,” Terrell said. “I know I did right when I was up there at Clemson, and I know (Coach) Swinney and everybody (knows) that it means a lot to me and to the university for me to go out there and walk with the guys.”

For the Atlanta native, being the team captain means watching his younger brother, Avieon Terrell, face the No. 1 team in the country. Avieon Terrell had a strong rookie campaign last season, recording 19 total tackles, four passes defended, and an interception. AJ said his younger brother and him have always had a similar playing style.

“I feel like we both got the same competitive edge. (Avieon is) more of a rah-rah, cocky dude when he (is) on the field. He don’t really show it off the field. But, when the lights on, on the big stage, you’ll feel his presence early,” Terrell said. “Watching him play at a young age, he always had a swagger about himself. That’s probably where I say we contrast at. I had the same thing, but I wasn’t really showing it out the gate. But, that’s how he is. But ultimately, I feel like both our play styles (are) similar with the swag and (wanting) to make plays, trying to be around the ball.”

During his three seasons with Clemson, AJ Terrell made a lasting impact with six total interceptions, 14 passes defended, two forced fumbles and a pick-six during Clemson’s undefeated championship season. Given what he was able to do with the Tigers, it was only natural that when it came time for Avieon to start his journey in the recruiting process, he received an offer from Clemson. However, AJ did not interfere with his brother’s decision and feels his brother made the right choice.

“That offer really meant a lot when it came, and it was a slow process. He didn’t commit right away. He did, but he didn’t at the same time,” Terrell said. “But, I still told him to just weigh his options out, go look at other schools, enjoy the process of recruitment and he ultimately chose the right school we all feel like. The ball was definitely in his court, and he made the right decision.”

During his rookie campaign last year, the younger Terrell faced three ranked opponents—No. 4 Florida State, No. 12 Notre Dame, and No. 22 North Carolina. While those teams were talented in their own right, there is something different about playing the No. 1 team in the country, which has won two of the last three National Championships.

“These primetime games, these games you want to play in and it’s all about making plays win, lose or draw. As long as you (are) around the ball making plays, everything will work out in the end, and that’s what it’s all about in college,” Terrell said. “Of course, you want to get a team win against Georgia, being the No. 1 team. They’ve been respected over the years, and you can’t take them lightly. So, (Avieon knows) that this is a big game and something that’s definitely going to stick on his career and all he can do is just go out there and play his game and make plays.”

While Terrell is rooting for his brother and the defense, he does believe Clemson’s matchup against Georgia will be a close game that will go down to the wire. He thinks the Tigers will pull out the win with his score prediction being 28-21.

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