Dabo Swinney spoke to the media on Tuesday and detailed the status of the Clemson football team as preparations for the upcoming Gator Bowl match-up against Kentucky ramp up.
The Tigers will take on the Wildcats on December 29th in Jacksonville, with kick-off scheduled for noon.
Clemson already knows it will be without linebacker Jeremiah Trotter Jr. and top corner Nate Wiggins who have said they will declare for the NFL draft and opt out of the bowl game. Injuries to the secondary are also a concern, with Sheridan Jones and Jaedyn Lucas also being ruled out due to various ailments. But all told, Swinney is pleased with where his team stands.
“Last week we had some mandatory running and some drills just to keep them sharp and today we will get back into our practice schedule,” said Swinney on Tuesday.
Dabo Swinney
Swinney shared some more good news sure to make Clemson fans smile. Running back Will Shipley will play in the Gator Bowl, and there is speculation that he could be returning to Clemson for his senior season. Swinney was less open about that possibility.
“I don’t want to steal (Shipley’s) thunder,” offered Swinney.
Dabo Swinney
While the defensive secondary is not as deep due to attrition heading into the postseason, Swinney also gave a positive update on the Tigers’ wide receivers room which was hit hard by injuries down the stretch of the season. Beaux Collins is no longer with the team, having transferred to Notre Dame, but the Tigers look to get one of its most dynamic playmakers back who has missed significant time this season.
“Antonio (Williams) looks really good,” Swinney stated. “So does Cole Turner. Cole won’t be able to play, but Antonio should be able to play.”
Dabo Swinney
Williams, the Tigers’ leading receiver in 2022, has played in only four games this season, qualifying the true sophomore for a medical redshirt. Playing against Kentucky will not chance that status. Additionally, Brannon Spector is expected to return, adding another boost and some needed depth to the receiving corps.
Swinney knows Kentucky will be a tough test. He says the Wildcats will be a formidable challenge for his team and Clemson fans should expect a battle in the Sunshine State.
“Kentucky is a good football team,” he said. “They can run it and they will challenge you physically. “
Dabo Swinney
As for what is next, Swinney said Clemson will continue to practice on campus through early next week, then make the trip south and finish its game prep in Jacksonville in advance of the game.
“Sunday and Monday are going to be dead days then we will practice through Tuesday, and we will get to Jacksonville,” he explained.
