After spending last fall at Fork Union Military Academy, Brian Dawkins Jr. is counting down the days until June, when he makes the move to Clemson.

Dawkins originally signed in February of 2015 before graduating from Valor Christian in Highlands Ranch, Colo.

During a recent interview with TheClemsonInsider, Dawkins said his experience at Fork Union was a good one.

“It helped me more to be independent and becoming more responsible, more disciplined,” he said.

Dawkins added, “It helped me criticize my own talent. I can look at myself on film much better and tell my work…I had to be my own DB coach and had to be more attentive to myself and my technique, so I could be more successful on the field. It helped me be more physical as a player.”

Since moving back home at the end of last semester, he’s been working out with his personal trainer and DB coach.

“Getting ready for Clemson has mostly been technique and trying to perfect my work in the weight room and especially on the field,” Dawkins said. “My dad being my DB coach, he’s been telling me everything I need to know at the next level. He’s been a big help trying to perfect my skills.”

The wait for Clemson, he admitted, hasn’t been easy. Watching the 2015 season unfold left him with mixed emotions.

“It made me more grateful for the experience that I’m going to have at Clemson and that they have an interest in me, so it made me very excited to go up to Clemson,” Dawkins said. “I’m just hating the fact that I have to wait so long.”

Dawkins, who signed again with the Tigers in February, will visit for the spring game on Saturday.

The 5-foot-9, 185-pound cornerback looks forward to year one at Clemson.

“Really to continue grow, spiritually, physically mentally, academically — all of those aspects, and to be a tone-setter once I get there,” Dawkins said, when asked about his goals. “I want to let the guys know I’m going to work as hard as they are. Despite my size, I can make a huge impact, and to let everybody know I came here to dominate.”