"Alright, that's pretty cool." Garrett Riley impressed by the Hill at Clemson

It's one of the most well-known traditions in college football, but running down the Hill at Memorial Stadium can be intimidating for a first-timer. Just ask Garrett Riley.

Clemson is home to a few of the greatest traditions in college football, but perhaps their most well-known is running down the Hill at Memorial Stadium. ESPN's Chris Fowler once described it as "perhaps the greatest entrance in sports." while legendary play-by-play man Brent Musburger called it "the most exciting 25 seconds in college football."

While Clemson fans are accustomed to the site, and Tigers head coach Dabo Swinney takes the Hill at breakneck pace, it can be an intimidating experience for a first-timer. Just ask new offensive coordinator Garrett Riley.

The Hill in "Death Valley". (Clemson Athletics)

"I'm glad I did it at the spring game," said Riley. "I needed a rehearsal, that's for sure. The little simulation in the [Allen N. Reeves Football Complex] doesn't do it justice."

Like most others that get to experience the run, Riley was impressed by the scale and tradition. 

"That was pretty cool. You know, I've always kind of heard about that tradition, and obviously I've seen it on TV, and thinking it wasn't going to be that big of a deal for a spring game and all that, and then we did it and I'm like 'Alright, that's pretty cool.'". 

While the Hill won't change in size from the spring to Clemson's home opener against Charleston Southern on September 9th, the stakes will certainly be higher as Memorial Stadium will be packed to the gills. Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney was asked if he had any advice for his new offensive coordinator about approaching the run. 

"None. He's got to have to figure that out on his own. All of our new people, they have to run down the hill on that first game, that's always a fun time. He'll do fine, he'll figure it out."

More Clemson Football News:

• Clemson lands 4-star corner Corian Gipson
• Clemson lands 4-star receiver TJ Moore
• Garrett Riley named one of the "most interesting new coordinators" by ESPN

Join the community!

If you haven't yet, please subscribe to our YouTube page! We'll be breaking down all things Clemson football. Be sure to follow along with us on Twitter as well!