​Recent Clemson football commitment Seth Tillman is dealing with the excitement of making his college decision while mourning the loss of his father.Tillman, a four-star defensive lineman from Rock Hill, South Carolina committed on July 11 in a ceremony at his high school. Four days later, Tillman wrote on X that his family honored his father the week before by announcing his college decision with his family.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisement”My family and I did a private commitment celebration with my dad before he died on last week. My dad is my hero and will forever be sketched in my heart!” Tillman wrote on his X account.According to his obituary, Tillman’s father, Reginald Tillman, died on July 7 at the age of 62.1 / 6Howell’s Bryce Kish (22) breaks away from the Brighton defense for a touchdown Friday, Oct. 17, 2025.(Timothy Arrick/For the Livingston Daily)During the ceremony, a video slideshow played on the screen in the auditorium which included his father’s voice.In the video Tillman said, “Hey Dad, thank you for everything, I’ve made my decision” and as his dad responded asking where he’s going, a spotlight shined on the table that Tillman was sitting at revealing that he’s picked Clemson.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementTillman, who plays for South Pointe High School, narrowed his final choices to Clemson, South Carolina, Michigan and Georgia. He is the No. 3-ranked recruit from South Carolina in the Class of 2027 and is No. 13 nationally at his position, according to the 247Sports Composite. Nationally, he’s ranked No. 130 overall.Dabo Swinney now has 25 commitments for the 2027 class so far and is ranked 12th nationally and second in the ACC.Lulu Kesin covers South Carolina athletics for The Greenville News and the USA TODAY Network.This article originally appeared on Greenville News: How Clemson football commit Seth Tillman honored father before commitment announcement