As Clemson's offense jogged onto the field with 3:07 remaining in the Fiesta Bowl and needing a score to keep its season alive, Amari Rodgers had one thought _ if your name is called, go make a play.
The often-overlooked member of Clemson's receiving corps, Rodgers had yet to record a catch in the Fiesta Bowl and had been quiet for the second half of the season as the Tigers took the field with their season on the line.
The junior had 15 receiving yards combined in Clemson's previous four games entering the College Football Playoff, and only two targets with no catches against Ohio State as Clemson took over at its own 6-yard line. In the five most recent games, including against Ohio State, Rodgers had recorded five catches for 15 yards, while playing more than 115 snaps as the Tigers took over needing to drive 94 yards.
"I've been supporting my brothers and just staying ready," Rodgers said following the College Football Playoff semifinal. "That's what my parents had been telling me. Stay ready for your opportunity and your time's going to come. I just stayed calm and made plays when they presented them."
Finally, with Clemson at its own 28 and under 3 minutes remaining, Rodgers got the opportunity he had been waiting for.
The 5-foot-10, 210-pound wideout got open in Ohio State's zone running over the middle, broke a tackle and raced to the Ohio State 34-yard line for a 38-yard gain. On the next play, quarterback Trevor Lawrence found running back Travis Etienne for what ended up being the game-winning touchdown.
"I knew we were gonna win the game the whole game," Rodgers said. "It was never a moment where I was like, 'Dang, we're about to lose.' I had certainty in my soul. I just knew that we were gonna win. It was incredible."
Rodgers not only made the catch for the big gain on the game-winning drive, he also suggested the play. When Clemson ran the same play earlier in the game, Rodgers was open but didn't get the ball. He told Tigers co-offensive coordinator Jeff Scott that Clemson should go back to the play in a critical situation and he would be open.
"We transferred the information to Trevor, that he was open, kind of working to that other hash they had left him open," Scott recalled. "So whenever we ran that play that same spot ... it was great for Trevor to work through his progression and find him. Obviously, a big play to get us on the positive side of the field."
Even with Rodgers not getting the opportunities he would like late in the season, Scott added that he has remained a great teammate and the coaching staff never lost confidence in him.
"That was great to be able to see him (come through) on that last drive," Scott said.
