Clemson got off to a strong start on Signing Day as defensive back Mario Goodrich chose the Tigers Wednesday morning.

The Missouri native picked Clemson over offers from LSU, Georgia, Nebraska and others.

Goodrich received an offer from Clemson in the middle of January and took an official visit there the last weekend in January.

He announced his decision on KMBC-TV in Kansas City, Mo. and moments later explained to the station why he chose the Tigers.

“The coaching staff. I felt like I was at home when I went,” Goodrich said. “The visit was terrific. The coaches, the players, everyone’s always happy.”

Clemson coach Dabo Swinney in particular played a big role in Goodrich choosing the Tigers.

“He’s a genuine guy. He cares about his players,” Goodrich said. “They’re always at his house. He’s got an open-door policy, so I just felt comfortable around him.”

Goodrich is rated as the No. 114 overall prospect in the country, according to the 247Sports Composite rankings. He is ranked as the No. 4 athlete in the country but will play defensive back for the Tigers.

He has yet to attend a game at Clemson but said he will go to the spring game in April.

As for whether or not he will be able to play early on in his college career, Goodrich said, “It depends on how hard I work.”

Goodrich was committed to Nebraska at one point in the recruiting process before opening up his recruitment in early December.

The pickup is a big one for the Tigers, who were looking to add a safety with the departure of Van Smith to the NFL draft.