Clemson's Jarrett drafted a day after house fire
Former Clemson defensive tackle Grady Jarrett realized his NFL dream on Day 3 of the NFL draft when the Atlanta Falcons selected him with the first pick of the fifth round (137 overall). The selection will reunite Jarrett with former Clemson teammate Vic Beasley, who the Falcons chose with the No. 8 overall pick.
Jarrett’s selection capped off an emotional week for the former Tigers defensive tackle, as his family’s house was burned Friday night during a draft-watching party.
"We were just watching the draft and smelled something a little funny," Jarrett told the Associated Press. "We went in the kitchen. There was nothing going on in there, then some people came running downstairs, and the fire had already started on the wall.
“…"There was too much fire for water or a fire extinguisher to put it out. We couldn't do anything but get everybody out of the house and pray for the best. That section of the house is totally messed up."
Jarrett, a hulking 6-1, 304-pounder, racked up 73 tackles and 10 tackles for a loss as a senior on a Clemson defense that led the FBS in total defense.