Clemson’s Rodriguez Nominated For Award

CLEMSON, S.C. (AP) — Clemson wide receiver Daniel Rodriguez is a nominee for the Orange Bowl-FWAA Courage Award. The 24-year-old Rodriguez received the Purple Heart and Bronze Star while serving in Afghanistan. Rodriguez was part of a battle near Kamdesh when his outpost was ambushed by nearly 300 Taliban troops. Rodriguez suffered wounds to his leg, neck and shoulder. Rodriguez pledged to a friend killed in that battle that if he returned home, he’d play college football. So far this season, Rodriguez has played on special teams, and he caught a pass in a victory over Ball State three weeks ago. The winner will be announced in December. The organization says the award goes to a player who has displayed courage on or off the field. Michigan State’s Arthur Ray Jr. won last year. Copyright 2012 The Associated Press.