The Clemson Tigers football team is in the midst of preparing for its upcoming spring game, which is scheduled for April 15th. In their last scrimmage before the game, the team faced some ups and downs on both offense and defense, according to head coach Dabo Swinney. The scrimmage took place in Death Valley and lasted for over two hours.
As the spring game approaches, Swinney expressed his desire for a full house and many recruits to attend. This is a critical opportunity for the team to showcase their skills and attract new players to join their program. Jeff Scott, who previously served as an assistant coach at Clemson before becoming the head coach at South Florida, was present at the scrimmage as an observer.
During the scrimmage, several players returned from injury, including Justin Mascoll, Demonte Capehart, and Caden Story. However, the team was short at defensive tackle for a while. Injuries can be a setback for any team, but it is great to see these players back in action and ready to contribute.
Swinney noted that the offense had an inconsistent performance during the scrimmage. They started with a 3-and-out, followed by a 17-play scoring drive, and then a turnover. Despite this inconsistency, Swinney praised the offense for growing and gaining confidence throughout the spring. He also highlighted the performances of Cade Klubnik and Hunter Helms during the scrimmage.
Vocal Leaders Emerging?
Swinney also mentioned some players who are starting to emerge as leaders on both offense and defense. Antonio Williams and Klubnik are finding their voices on offense, while Wade Woodaz is an emerging leader on defense. Woodaz is also learning the inside linebacker spots.
In terms of injuries, Beaux Collins and LG Marcus Tate were practicing and taking reps, but they did not participate in any scrimmage work and will not until the fall. However, Mitchell Mayes was back at practice, which is a positive sign for the team.
Freshman Praise?
When asked about freshman Peter Woods, Swinney had nothing but praise for the young player. He noted that Woods has no deficiencies in his game and only needs to take more reps and play in front of the crowd. It’s always exciting to see new talent emerge on the team, and Woods seems to be one to watch.
Overall, the Clemson Tigers are working hard to prepare for their spring game. With a few injuries to manage and some players stepping up as leaders, the team is poised to put on a great performance. Swinney’s call for a full house and recruits to attend the game highlights how important this game is to the team’s success. Fans and recruits alike will be eagerly watching to see how the team performs.
As the team continues to prepare for the spring game, it’s important to recognize the dedication and hard work that goes into a successful football program. Clemson has a storied history of excellence on the field, and the team’s performance in the upcoming spring game will undoubtedly have an impact on the future of the program. The coaches and players are working tirelessly to ensure that they are ready to take on any challenge that comes their way.
How To Watch?
Don’t forget to watch the Annual Orange vs. White Spring Game on April 15th, 2023, at 1 pm on ACCN. The game will feature Nick Eason and CJ Spiller as head coaches for each team. Be sure to tune in!
You can watch the complete video of Clemson’s post-scrimmage practice report with Head Coach Dabo Swinney, along with all the other videos from the spring practices, below.
