Clemson’s head coach, Dabo Swinney, took to the podium on a balmy Wednesday afternoon to share his insights following the conclusion of the last scrimmage of the preseason camp. With the closing scrimmage now in the rearview mirror, Swinney and his team are gearing up to shift their focus to the upcoming game preparation, marking the transition from intense training to tactical strategy. Within the walls of Memorial Stadium, amidst fire alarm tests and the faint echoes of the stadium’s grandeur, Swinney delved into a comprehensive review of training camp, highlighting standout players, newcomers who caught his eye, and the promising prospects on the horizon.
A Day of Discovery and Evaluation
Wednesday’s scrimmage was more than just another practice session – it was a pivotal day for evaluating the depth and talent within the team. Swinney emphasized the importance of assessing players who needed reps and spotlighting young prospects who are eager to prove their worth. This approach was likened to the NFL preseason, where emerging players have a chance to shine.
The Stars Among the Second String
Swinney praised the team’s ‘twos,’ noting that they made strides during the scrimmage. These players closed the gap, showcasing their determination and prowess. The coach lauded the young secondary’s performance, highlighting their impressive development. He specifically mentioned the backup linebackers and defensive linemen, underscoring the depth and potential within the team’s ranks.
An Evolving Lineup
The quarterback position drew special attention, with Swinney heaping praise on Cade Klubnik. Drawing parallels to Deshaun Watson’s resilience, Klubnik’s ability to bounce back from setbacks stood out. Swinney highlighted Klubnik’s infectious energy and leadership qualities, deeming him a key element in the team’s success. Running back Will Shipley and the rest of the running back room also captured Swinney’s focus. He projected Shipley and Phil Mafah as potential 1,000-yard rushers and commended Shipley’s versatility across various play styles. The impressive depth within the running back room left Swinney confident in their ability to make significant contributions to the team’s performance.
A Versatile Lineup
The depth and versatility at different positions became a recurring theme. Swinney’s appreciation for the young secondary’s performance underscored the team’s bright future. Notably, freshman cornerback Avieon Terrell’s exceptional skills and readiness to compete with the starters caught Swinney’s attention.
Swinney also expressed his contentment with the offensive tackle position, highlighting the solid group of players available. The coach’s satisfaction with the development of these players showcased his confidence in the team’s ability to adapt and perform.
Looking Forward
As the preseason camp draws to a close, the team’s schedule takes on a new structure. After a light practice and tape grading on Thursday, the players will enjoy a brief respite to recharge mentally and physically. The focus will then shift to opponent preparation as the players gear up for the upcoming challenges.
Here are some of the key takeaways from Coach Swinney’s press conference:
• Cade Klubnik: The quarterback has emerged as a standout player, with Coach Swinney comparing his ability to bounce back from mistakes to that of former Clemson quarterback Deshaun Watson. Klubnik’s resilience, leadership qualities, and infectious energy have positioned him as a key player for the team. Swinney expressed confidence in Klubnik’s role as the starting quarterback and his potential to lead the team to success.
• Will Shipley: As a running back, Shipley’s versatility is a defining trait. Swinney praised Shipley’s ability to excel in various aspects of the game, including receiving, rushing, and even returning. Swinney projected Shipley, along with Phil Mafah, as potential 1,000-yard rushers, showcasing the coach’s high expectations for their performance. Shipley’s dynamic skill set and potential to impact multiple facets of the game make him a valuable asset to the team.
• Avieon Terrell: A standout in the young secondary, Terrell’s physicality and mental readiness have caught Swinney’s attention. Swinney expressed admiration for Terrell’s performance and highlighted his capability to compete with the starters. Terrell’s potential impact on the defensive lineup underscores the team’s depth and bright prospects in the secondary.
• Tink Kelley (Minsun Kelley): Kelley’s versatility is notable, as he has impressed both on offense and defense. He’s been praised for his natural ball-playing ability and has made significant plays during camp. Kelley’s readiness to contribute on both sides of the ball showcases his talent and potential value as a multifaceted player for the team.
• Dee Crayton, Jamal Anderson, Kobe McCloud, Wade Woodaz: These backup linebackers have demonstrated progress and improvement during camp. Swinney mentioned their development, indicating that they are growing in their roles and becoming more reliable options for the team. Their improvement underscores the team’s efforts to build depth and strengthen its defensive lineup.
• Ryan Linthicum, Trent Howard, Dietrick Pennington: Linthicum’s performance at center, along with Howard’s capabilities, has impressed Swinney. The coach expressed confidence in their abilities and flexibility, noting that they can play different positions along the offensive line. Swinney also observed progress in Dietrick Pennington’s performance, indicating his growth during the camp.
• Khalil Barnes: As a freshman safety, Barnes has caught Swinney’s attention with his potential to play early in his college career. Swinney praised Barnes’ readiness to contribute on special teams, highlighting his importance in a third of the game. Barnes’ ability to compete with more experienced players and his potential to make an early impact showcase his talent and determination.
• Jake Briningstool: The tight end has shown significant growth and maturity during his time with the team. Swinney highlighted Briningstool’s improvement, emphasizing his elite ball skills and hyper-competitive nature. Swinney expressed a positive outlook on Briningstool’s future, indicating that he has the potential to become one of the best players at his position.
These players represent a mix of experienced leaders and emerging talents who have caught Coach Swinney’s attention during the preseason camp. Their development, versatility, and potential contributions underline the depth and promise within the Clemson team. This will conclude the 2023 fall camp edition, stay tuned as we turn our attention to the season. Watch the full post scrimmage interview provided by Clemson Athletics below.
