SANTA CLARA, Calif. (WBTW) – The Grand Strand, like most of South Carolina, closely watched Monday night’s college football national championship between Clemson University and the University of Alabama.

For the third time in four years, the Tigers and Crimson Tide met in the title game. Clemson defeated Alabama 44-16.

Eight players from the Grand Strand and Pee Dee played for Clemson and Alabama. All but one played for Clemson. While the successful college career for one player from near Myrtle Beach ended, a recent Conway High School graduate is just getting started. 

In 2013, his first season coaching Socastee High School’s football team, Doug Illing was scheming up option runs for quarterback Hunter Renfrow.

“You could tell right away he was an outstanding athlete,” said Illing. “As I got here and began working with him every day, you could tell the competitive spirit that he had.”

Illing would train Renfrow, lifting weights in what they called “breakfast sessions,” starting at around 6:45 a.m. 

Illing says Renfrow was so competitive, he switched to wide receiver and gave up scholarships to play in Death Valley.

“He wanted to go to Clemson and take advantage of whatever little opportunity he got,” Illing said. “When his moment came, he was ready.”

The walk-on’s moment was the game-winning touchdown in the 2017 national championship. The 2019 championship is Renfrow’s final college game and his third title game of his career.

Now, he’s focused on the NFL Draft.

“He’ll definitely get a shot, second, third, forth round possibly and everybody’s going to that small, inside, slot receiver,” said Illing.

On the other sideline was Jaylen Moody, a four-star recruit from Conway and playing linebacker for Alabama.

“I’ve seen Jaylen grow up from a young pup to a full-grown tiger,” said Conway head coach Carlton Terry. “He’s being challenged academically and on the football field.”

While Terry says Moody isn’t seeing a lot of playing time as a freshman, Terry believes that will change soon.

“Once he gets on the field, that will be easy for him because he has great instincts and a nose for the ball,” Terry said.

The coaches say their high schools are pulling for their hometown stars.

“(Hunter Renfrow) is definitely a legend around here and kids really look up to him,” Illing said.

Terry says he expects there will be some new Crimson Tide fans in Conway because of Moody.

“Do well, represent Conway and Alabama,” said Terry.

Hunter’s brother Cole also walked-on to Clemson and plays tight end. 

For Clemson in the national championship, the Pee Dee was represented by Xavier Thomas and Cameron Scott of Wilson High School, Alex and Austin Spence of West Florence High School, and Luke Price of Dillon Christian School.