Cullen Gillaspia, Gavin Suel discuss the importance of the 12th Man

Key notes from Cullen and Gavin

Gavin: The excitement on campus is palpable, especially with College Gameday coming. Especially my position, getting to be so close and plugged in with the student section, that’s what I’m looking forward to.

Cullen: It’s unbelievable at Kyle Field. Other schools have student sections, but its unbelievable to see our student body. There is nothing like running out in front of 100,000 and knowing that 30,000 of them are your peers.

Gavin: There is a time before Midnight Yell starts when the juniors are doing their pushups, and the seniors just get to look at the stands and soak it all in. There are more people in the stands at Midnight Yell than most stadiums hold. We have such a passionate student body and alumni network. The fact that the students come to the game, stand the entire time, and don’t leave early makes it the best student section.

Gavin: Being so close to the 12th Man, I’d like to think the 12th Man has a huge effect on the of games. I think to Arkansas and a bad call, and the 12th Man helped turn it around. The 12th Man really sends a message that we’re here for the team. It is a visible difference.

Cullen: I just got goosebumps thinking about the 12th Man. There are a lot of fair weather fans across the country. If their team is winning, they’re yelling, if they’re losing, they’re booing. It’s not like that playing in Kyle Field. Every week, the stands are full and they’re yelling no matter what. I don’t think it’s something Clemson is ready for. It shouldn’t just be a tough place to play, but the toughest place to play.

Cullen: It means everything to wear the number 12. It’s a huge honor to know that I’m representing all the students and I’ll forever be indebted to the university for. It’s not something that you wear for yourself, but you wear for the university. I would give back my scholarship. Getting a scholarship was a surprise to me. I put all my eggs in becoming the 12th man and then when Coach Sumlin gave me the scholarship, it was huge honor. Some people are a little upset that I’m on scholarship, but why would you penalize a kid for working hard? If a coach wants to reward you with money, it is what it is. I’m still a walk-on. I wasn’t recruited and I earned my way here. There is nothing better than being able to represent the student body here.

Gavin: It’s something so special with Cullen being such a visible and engaged 12th Man. Not every 12th Man in the past was like that. He is the bridge between the student section and the football team.

Cullen: Against Clemson, it’s just another game. The opponent is faceless. It’s not about them, it’s about us. I don’t get scared of any teams, it’s just exciting. I would say anxious is the word, but not in a negative way. It’s more of an excitement to get out there and show the country what we’ve been working for all offseason. I’ve got a 100 percent belief in this team and this coaching staff that we can go out there and shock the world. That’s what the media has made it out to be, but it’s just going to be doing what we know how to do.