It was a warm sunny day for the Tigers’ first of two fall scrimmages inside of Death Valley. After the scrimmage concluded Dabo Swinney spoke to the media about what he saw from his team today.
Dabo was glad that it was a hot day, so he could see how his team would overcome a little bit of adversity in camp. Overall he was pleased with the team today. The team ran around 120 plays today, a lot of good on good and a good bit of special teams. Coach Swinney said that the only thing they didn’t hit much on was the two-minute offense, said they would hit that on Monday and then again on Wednesday in their final scrimmage. According to Dabo, today was just a continuation of camp in the way the offense and defense played. The defense started off well, and then lost some steam near the end. The offense didn’t have the start they were hoping for but really came on strong at the end. “It was a very competitive day, neither side just came out and dominated. Normally that is what you get in this first scrimmage”. Coach Swinney added that as far as “football penalties” go, today was a pretty clean day. He would go on to add that there were some mental mistakes that they will have to clean up, like procedural penalties and things like that.
As we reported earlier in the week Hunter Helms is in a boot with a sprained foot and is expected to be in the boot for approximately 2-3 weeks. Dabo was asked if Christopher Vizzina was ready to be the backup right now if Hunter Helms had to miss the opener. “No, I think Paul Tyson would be the backup right now. CV is coming but Paul Tyson is a 5th year guy that has a lot of knowledge.” Dabo also added that if they had any kind of long term injury that they would likely turn to Vizzina if Helms is out.
Dabo was asked about how his quarterback performed today and had this to say. “Cade had a good day, he had one bad play but it was really more of a great play call for the defense. Defense had a zone blitz and Cade just didn’t see the end drop into coverage so Cade Denhoff got him one (interception) today. Dabo would add that Cade (Klubnik) is a really steady guy, bringing great energy. Made some really beautiful throws and had some good plays where he was able to extend the play. Overall a good first scrimmage for the quarterback.
Tyler Brown continued his great fall camp and seems like he is going to get a good bit of opportunities to make an impact this season. Dabo said that he hopes to maybe get Stellato back next week, and said that he can compete with anyone as soon as he is fully healthy.
A question came up asking if Peter Woods was as dominant today as he was in the spring game. Dabo said that there was a different defensive lineman who really dominated the day. “I wouldn’t say he dominated, I thought it was pretty competitive on both sides. Xavier Thomas is the one that really stood out today for sure”
As far as the freshman defensive ends go, TJ Parker is still the farthest along (early enrollee). Dabo said that he is competing with XT and Mascoll for snaps. Was very pleased with the defensive back play today and was pleased with where Toriano Pride was from this time last year.
Linebacker depth is something that they will need to bring along pretty quickly. Wade Woodaz has had a good fall camp and he said a very competitive play today with Jake Briningstool. He would go on to add that he was pleased with Kobe McCloud and was encouraged with how Dee Crayton and Jamal Anderson have progressed since being on campus.
Monday will be a situational day back inside the Valley where they will go mostly thud, and may have a total of 8 live plays on the day. Wednesday will be the final fall scrimmage for the team, another practice Thursday, and take Friday and Saturday off to regroup. Sunday they will get back together for meetings and then work on getting on their game plan together before week one.
