Dream comes true for former Clemson star Anthony

Published May. 1, 2015 9:46 a.m. ET

foxsports

All his life Stephone Anthony has dreamed of playing in the NFL, and on Thursday night that dream became a reality when the New Orleans Saints selected the former Clemson ILB with the 31st pick in the NFL draft.

"Oh man, I barely could get any words out," Anthony told NOLA.com. "I immediately got emotional. It's a dream come true for me, something I always dreamed of as a kid, to get that phone call and see my name come across the screen. It was surreal."

The first-team all-ACC performer led the Tigers in tackles the last two seasons on the strength of his work ethic, which is something he said he will bring with him to the NFL.

"Nothing's given," Anthony said. "No matter where you go or what round or whatever pick you are, you've got to come in and work. I've still got to earn everything I got. I've been that way my whole life."

(h/t NOLA.com)