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Replies: 48
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TNET: Making a difference: Tayquon Johnson's story tells itself
Jan 20, 2020, 7:01 AM
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Varsity [233]
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Re: TNET: Making a difference: Tayquon Johnson's story tells itself
Jan 20, 2020, 7:21 AM
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A great story!!! I'll be sure to focus on Tayquon Johnson from now on. His story makes the NC loss seem very unimportant. Clemson football is about changing lives as much as winning championships!!!
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All-In [48078]
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Re: TNET: Making a difference: Tayquon Johnson's story tells itself
Jan 20, 2020, 7:22 AM
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Made me look up the meaning of erudite. Now I know. Anyway, sounds like Clemson got another winner and it's a perfect match. Glad to get that info. Look forward to hearing about him graduating one day. That will be an emotional day for him. He can do it.
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Orange Blooded [2345]
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Amazing story and even more amazing young man! Tayquon
Jan 20, 2020, 7:30 AM
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Is going to do great things here at Clemson and beyond! Thanks for sharing his story!
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National Champion [7944]
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Who's cuttin onions in here??
Jan 20, 2020, 7:33 AM
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110%er [6938]
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Re: TNET: Making a difference: Tayquon Johnson's story tells itself
Jan 20, 2020, 7:45 AM
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David thanks for this story. I've intended to write Tayquon a letter of support ever sinse I started following him on Instagram right after he committed to Clemson. Your article just barely aludes to how tough his life has been. Thank God that there are people who reach out to young people to support them along the way but most students aren't talented athletes, just kids needing support.
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Paw Master [16276]
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Re: TNET: Making a difference: Tayquon Johnson's story tells itself
Jan 20, 2020, 7:46 AM
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Most of us lead remarkably easy lives.
Sometimes I feel sorry for myself or mad about something in my life. But I know there isn't a city bus
or country road in America on which my story would be the toughest for even a day. Tayquon Johnson is a good role model for guys like me.
Thanks for your story Tayquon. You make the world a better place for me.
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Oculus Spirit [40650]
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Thanks for the story David. I know all programs have stories like this,
Jan 20, 2020, 7:59 AM
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but Clemson seems to have more stories of young men who have come through a trial by fire to be lights in this world. I hope he has a chance to lead and love others the way he needed to be loved. I have a feeling folks including me can learn a lot from this young man.
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Orange Blooded [2384]
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Every time I read one of your stories, David,
Jan 20, 2020, 8:01 AM
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I think you've written your best. And every time, you seem to outdo yourself. Part of me says that this story is the pinnacle of your writing... the way you brought it to life... but I'm sure you'll once again outdo yourself. Keep on writing... and, thank you.
Obviously, Taquon went through things that most of us can't understand, much less appreciate. His strength of character is an inspiration. I will follow his career at Clemson, and hopefully beyond.
His story also reinforces my belief in overall humanity... that there are still people like his adopted family who care enough to look beyond themselves and help those in need.
Finally, in telling this story, David shows us more vividly what goes on behind the scenes with the Clemson football program. I didn't think I could be more proud and thankful to have Dabo Swinney leading our program, but after reading this, my heart swells with more pride than I thought possible. He truly is THE REAL DEAL.
Again, thank you, David... and thank you Dabo for your faith, your convictions, and the program you're building at the place I love more than any other-- CLEMSON! Go Tigers!
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All-American [554]
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Re: TNET: Making a difference: Tayquon Johnson's story tells itself
Jan 20, 2020, 8:17 AM
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Thank you David for telling us Tayquon Johnson's story.
This is a reminder to all fans, not to pass judgement when kids make mistakes. We think in terms of their physical abilities and skills, and forget that many come from difficult backgrounds.
It speaks volumes that Dabo has life priorities ranked above all else. The wins are a by product of the foundation and growth of these young men.
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All-In [10738]
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Re: TNET: Making a difference: Tayquon Johnson's story tells itself
Jan 20, 2020, 8:19 AM
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A wonderful story- David ... thanks for sharing!! .... This is a story that makes me appreciate not only Clemson and Dabo’s on field success- but - more importantly - their role in molding young men for successful lives !!
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Orange Blooded [2120]
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Re: TNET: Making a difference: Tayquon Johnson's story tells itself
Jan 20, 2020, 8:20 AM
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The Blind Side was about a rich family that found a football player for their SEC school. This story is much better.
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Orange Immortal [66473]
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I don't know what his major is but he needs to
Jan 20, 2020, 8:30 AM
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be in something related to counseling, education, or social work because he can make a difference in so many lives after football ends for him. The world needs more people like him who can see light beyond the darkness.
Message was edited by: clover65®
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Oculus Spirit [41695]
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Good for Tayquon, he has earned his opportunity
Jan 20, 2020, 8:46 AM
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and then some
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Head Coach [958]
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Re: TNET: Making a difference: Tayquon Johnson's story tells itself
Jan 20, 2020, 8:49 AM
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Wow ! What a remarkable story of overcoming adversity in life.
Get your tissues. This young man is going to be special. Pulling hard for him.
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CU Guru [1043]
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Re: TNET: Making a difference: Tayquon Johnson's story tells itself
Jan 20, 2020, 9:07 AM
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I'm excited to see him take his place in this amazing young DL rotation over the next several years!
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All-Time Great [97503]
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Clemson Icon [27617]
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Re: TNET: Making a difference: Tayquon Johnson's story tells itself
Jan 20, 2020, 9:04 AM
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Stories like this need to be told. We hear so much about what it wrong with college athletics. We need to hear more about how many good things are the result of college athletics.
Thanks for sharing.
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All-In [10738]
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Re: TNET: Making a difference: Tayquon Johnson's story tells itself
Jan 20, 2020, 12:41 PM
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True - bret !! Umm ... just wonderin’ ... did one of your degrees come from Clemson ?? - ">
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Trainer [37]
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Re: TNET: Making a difference: Tayquon Johnson's story tells itself
Jan 20, 2020, 9:15 AM
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I'm trying to decide if Tayquon is a regular Yogi Berri or Joel Osteen:
"If my role is to be a scout team player...that is going to be a great day for me"
"It wasn't that 'I'm not trying to screw this up' because that is negative thinking"
"Its not about how much you go through; its about what you do to overcome adversity"
"Life is hard and you are going to go through a lot of situations"
"Make your choice whether you are going to be a number in society or make a difference in society"
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Dynasty Maker [3385]
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Re: TNET: Making a difference: Tayquon Johnson's story tells itself
Jan 20, 2020, 12:49 PM
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Joel Osteen is a crooked scam artist. Surely he’s nothing like that false prophet
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Orange Blooded [2328]
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Re: TNET: Making a difference: Tayquon Johnson's story tells itself
Jan 20, 2020, 9:37 AM
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This is a prime example of why I try to spend more time thanking the Good Lord for all of the things I have in my life, than asking what else can He do for me.
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Orange Beast [6551]
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Re: TNET: Making a difference: Tayquon Johnson's story tells itself
Jan 20, 2020, 9:44 AM
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Thanks for sharing this young man's story. Look forward to seeing and hearing of the great things this young man accomplishes on and off the field.
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Clemson Icon [24345]
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Great to have another “Overcomer” on the team!
Jan 20, 2020, 9:56 AM
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Believe it or not, back in the late 70’s, I lived near the Southeast section of Baltimore and made a friend of a young kid from there named David Trotter. He and I would meet near the highway and go for runs and hang out together. People started calling us Starsky & Hutch! lol
Anyway, that area was so bad the cops didn’t want to go there when a crime got reported, the gangs would flip their cars over, throw rocks & bottles at them, and there were shootings every week in the projects over there. Me & David got threatened a few times because we were different races and had to run for our lives to keep from taking a beating or worse. That’s always been a really bad area and every kind of criminal gang activity was going on.
David & I signed up for the military to get away from there...I went Air Force and he went Army. We kept up with each other for a couple of years, he got married and started a family and I was so happy & relieved that he made it out and had found a new & better direction in life!
Whatever you got from Tayquon’s story about how tough it was, I can guarantee it was a lot worse. Very proud of him for choosing not to conform to his situation but to resist those influences and take a different path. It takes incredible strength of character AND some help along the way to persevere in those circumstances. His determination paid off for him and for Clemson...glad he’s in THE FAMILY!
GO TIGERS!!!
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Starter [282]
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Re: Great to have another “Overcomer” on the team!
Jan 20, 2020, 11:26 AM
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It would seem that you too overcame great adversity to become a success story that warrants attention. Congratulations to you for making it into the light and thank you for your military service. I suspect that I'm not the only person whose interest you have piqued about the experiences of your life. I'd speculate that you have probably been a positive influence in the lives of others. Part of the reason that it's such an awesome time to be a Clemson fan is the positive difference that Dabo and his staff have had on so many people inside and outside of the football program. Just think how much better place the world would be if the mission of every person was to make positive differences!
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Legend [6657]
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Re: Great to have another “Overcomer” on the team!
Jan 20, 2020, 12:53 PM
[ in reply to Great to have another “Overcomer” on the team! ] |
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What I really have never understood throughout my life, which includes living in small towns, living overseas and serving in the military, is why there are places in this country that we know bad things are going on in, people are being almost held hostage by a small group of really bad people or even their local politicians and yet we can’t seem to stop it or bring those people out of their situation. Lord knows we have thrown more money at problems than the world had in its history and not made a dent. I am going to send money to that home for kids because, in Tayquons story, they seem to be giving some people a chance.
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Mascot [15]
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Re: Great to have another “Overcomer” on the team!
Jan 20, 2020, 10:09 PM
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I too would like to give to the home that severed him so well. I think this is the site to start with based on the name of the senior administrator mentioned in Tayquon's story, David Swacina, who now resides in heaven. I'm sending this so you can check it out and make sure this is in fact the right place.
You can make donations at this site https://www.cedarridgeministries.org/
In the comment section, I will mention in honor of Tayquon Johnson.
I can't think of a better way to encourage this young man than all of us giving ($25 minimum) and let David know so he can pass the info that 1.000+ tigers fans have honored him in this way!!! All-In? Go Tigers!!
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Game Changer [1640]
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Re: Great to have another “Overcomer” on the team!
Jan 21, 2020, 11:37 AM
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done
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Orange Beast [6501]
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Re: TNET: Making a difference: Tayquon Johnson's story tells itself
Jan 20, 2020, 10:09 AM
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Wow, what a fine young man! Glad he worked hard and earned the opportunity to come to Clemson and that our university can help a person in his shoes and hopefully be a safe place to learn and thrive. Congratulations to him, keep up the good work!
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Paw Warrior [4631]
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Re: TNET: Making a difference: Tayquon Johnson's story tells itself
Jan 20, 2020, 10:17 AM
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I had no clue of Johnson’s story. What an amazing man! Definitely going to be following him next year and I am so proud he is a Clemson Tiger!
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Hall of Famer [22127]
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Re: TNET: Making a difference: Tayquon Johnson's story tells itself
Jan 20, 2020, 10:17 AM
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My first thought was to say, "what an awesome story" and then realized it should be, "what an awesome MAN" !!!!! We will never see T. Johnson entering the Transfer Portal, he is totally committed to Clemson.
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Walk-On [140]
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Re: TNET: Making a difference: Tayquon Johnson's story tells itself
Jan 20, 2020, 10:39 AM
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Awesome read. Glad to have this young man as a Clemson Tiger! Keep grinding Tayquon.
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Hall of Famer [9065]
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Re: TNET: Making a difference: Tayquon Johnson's story tells itself
Jan 20, 2020, 10:45 AM
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Pulling for this young man! Thanks for the story Tnet.
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1st Rounder [648]
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Re: TNET: Making a difference: Tayquon Johnson's story tells itself
Jan 20, 2020, 10:50 AM
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Thanks David. Tayquon, I am very happy a young man like you came to Clemson University.
You have an inspiring story and I believe you will continue to be successful in life.
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Offensive Star [349]
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David Hood
Jan 20, 2020, 11:01 AM
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Excellent writing but even greater young man!! You've written many of these stories over the years to inform me of the "man" and not just the sport. It's one of the main reasons I come daily to TNet. I encourage you to investigate "the story" within every young man on the roster and write it for us. Like Charles Karault (sp) used to ride into anywhere, USA, and find the most interesting story of common folk, so, too, are there very interesting stories lurking within every.... EVERY...student athlete. Find it, David.....and write it. We're all waiting to learn more about the person inside the helmet. And thanks, again, for giving us this insight to Tayquon.
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Hall of Famer [8576]
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Tayquon Johnson
Jan 20, 2020, 11:10 AM
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I will be routing for you! Go be great!
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Tiger Spirit [9492]
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and he squats 770!***
Jan 20, 2020, 11:13 AM
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Paw Master [17658]
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Wow, just wow!
Jan 20, 2020, 11:16 AM
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To come through all of that and still have his head screwed on straight, what a young man! Proud to have him as part of the Clemson family!
Now, about that confetti, David....
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TigerNet Icon [157820]
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Great article!! Puts a different perspective on things.***
Jan 20, 2020, 11:19 AM
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MVP [516]
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Re: TNET: Making a difference: Tayquon Johnson's story tells itself
Jan 20, 2020, 12:08 PM
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Wow! Great story. Impressive young man. I am a fan and will pulling for him on and off the field. Good luck and keep that positive attitude. You have a bright future. GO TIGERS!!
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MVP [516]
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Re: TNET: Making a difference: Tayquon Johnson's story tells itself
Jan 20, 2020, 12:10 PM
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Wow! Great story. Impressive young man. I am a fan and will pulling for him on and off the field. Good luck and keep that positive attitude. You have a bright future. GO TIGERS!!
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Game Changer [1638]
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Re: TNET: Making a difference: Tayquon Johnson's story tells itself
Jan 20, 2020, 1:07 PM
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I am rooting for you big guy!
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Recruit [97]
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This is such a great story!
Jan 20, 2020, 1:19 PM
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And a great piece of sports journalism.
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Rival Killer [2713]
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Rooting for Tayquon! Sounds like an awesome young man!***
Jan 20, 2020, 2:04 PM
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Freshman [0]
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Re: TNET: Making a difference: Tayquon Johnson's story tells itself
Jan 20, 2020, 2:07 PM
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What a wonderful story about a young man that had to endure so many trials in life and then to have him overcome them and maintain such a positive attitude is just awesome! I have never met him but, with out a doubt he is very special. I'm going to be praying for him and with his attitude, I know he is going to be very successful in life.
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Scout Team [164]
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Wonderful story!!***
Jan 20, 2020, 4:33 PM
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All-Pro [753]
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Re: TNET: Making a difference: Tayquon Johnson's story tells itself
Jan 20, 2020, 4:49 PM
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Great story. I am glad Clemson can support him in his quest to be the best he can be. Jeff Davis and others in our system will aid him to be successful.
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CU Guru [1029]
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Re: TNET: Making a difference: Tayquon Johnson's story tells itself
Jan 20, 2020, 9:19 PM
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What an amazing young man!!!! THRILLED TO HAVE HIM ON THE TEAM AND IN OUR FAMILY!!!
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Hall of Famer [8548]
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Tayquon Johnson - Great fit at Clemson!
Jan 20, 2020, 9:43 PM
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So glad that he is a valued member of the Clemson family.
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Replies: 48
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