But I really wish Dabo could be recognized as national coach of the year. It's not just his coaching, but many things. I think so much needs to be considered when granting such an honor. Having never been a head coach and learning on the fly , Dabo has managed to take the Clemson program to another level. A level that the Bowden family failed to do. No... I'm not saying Tommy Bowden did a poor job, but clearly Dabo has done more. Of course TB did wonders for this program but I never really saw it on the field quite like Dabo has managed. He deserves credit. TB was certainly good for the program in many ways but Dabo seems to have the knack for this profession. He strikes me as a coach still rising. I can see him becoming the next great collegiate head coaching powerhouse. Every year we seem to take bigger steps. Seldom have we backslid, but when we have, he has been able to identify the problem and resolve it. That in itself is something many people fail to do.
And the way he seems to have a flare for the public and humbleness to boot , seems to make him rare beyond his years. He seems to understand how to not just gimmic a win but rather .... build a championship program.
Couple all this with enthusiasm and his ability to inspire and you got a legend being born . We might very well be watching the rise of an ESPN documentary before our very eyes. I can see the title now..... "Rise of the Tiger." I get the feeling there will be another name honored on the ring in the future. And if there was a time when Miami and fsu was a great rivalry, the Clemson - fsu rivalry is quickly becoming must see tv.