Dabo Address Media as Tigers Officially Start Preparing for 2024 Season
Dabo Swinney is ready to roll.
Prior to the start of spring practice on Wednesday, the Clemson head coach sat down with the media and talked about myriad subjects including player development, excitement for the 2024 season, and the offseason speculation about his tenure at Clemson with the retirement of former Alabama coach Nick Saban.
Not only is Swinney happy at Clemson, but he is ready to get to work as the Tigers have lofty expectations about returning to the College Football Play-off and winning another national championship.
Swinney spoke about his alma mater and fielded questions about whether he considered leaving Clemson for Alabama in the wake of Saban’s departure.
“I’m happy for Alabama,” Swinney said. “I love Alabama. That’ll never change. But I love Clemson, too. And I’m happy with my job. I’m happy for Coach Saban. Had a great conversation with him. What we talked about will stay between us, but just focused on what I’m doing.”
Dabo Swinney
Thankfully for Clemson, the Crimson Tide ultimately hired former Washington head coach Kalen DeBoer.
Moving on to discussing his team, Swinney made a surprising announcement about one of the Tigers’ returning star defenders. Peter Woods, who made an immediate impact on the defensive line as a true freshman, will switch positions. The 290-pounder from Alabaster, AL will move from the interior to defensive end, a switch that Swinney says makes the most sense for his defense.
“We’re really fortunate. We’re really blessed with some guys that have a lot of experience,” he said. “Peter Woods is the guy that gives us a… he’s a wide card if you will. He gives us a lot of flexibility. You’ll see Peter and T.J. (Parker) out there at the end starting out because we feel great about our interior guys. But Peyton Page and Tre Williams, (DeMonte) Capehart, Stephiylan (Green). We got a couple of young ones coming in here that we’re excited about. We got a deep group right there.”
Dabo Swinney
Capehart, who recently had a brush with law enforcement for illegally carrying a firearm on campus and for a motor vehicle violation, Swinney said that is being handled internally after Capehart had those charges dropped as part of a pre-trial intervention program. Along with wide receiver Noble Johnson, who also faced a reckless driving charge.
“Nobe Johnson and DeMonte Capehart are going through their situations and are being handled internally by the university,” added Swinney.
Dabo Swinney
On offense, Cade Klubnik is returning as the incumbent starter at quarterback, but the Tigers have redshirt freshman Christopher Vizzina waiting in the wings. Swinney says he would like to see Vizzina push Klubnik this spring but feels confident in the quarterback position.
“I would love to see CV (Christopher Vizzina) at the end of the spring push Klubnik. But ask me at the end of spring and I will let you know,” said Swinney.
Dabo Swinney
Swinney also feels confident in the kicking situation, saying there is competition at the position. Sophomore Robert Gunn, who began the 2023 season as the starting place-kicker before being benched following a disastrous start, is working hard to be the guy says Swinney.
“The kicking position will have lots of competition, especially at field goal,” he said. “Robert Gunn wants to be the guy.”
Dabo Swinney
Many questions will be answered as spring practice gets underway, and Swinney will have much more to address as it progresses, but he did add that for the 2024 Clemson Tigers to reach their lofty goals, it will start with the offense and a more proficient passing game, something that was lacking many times last season.
That starts with Klubnik.
“We need to take a big step in the passing game,” stated Swinney. “Cade needs to grow in his situational awareness. We want guys’ commitment to be bigger than the talent, and Klubnik has that.”
Dabo Swinney
Time will tell how the story of the 2024 Clemson Tigers will play out, but for now, Clemson is excited to be back on the field, preparing for what they hope is a season to remember. The Tigers will not have to wait long to find out where they stack up against the nation’s best, with their season-opener coming against Georgia. In the meantime, the preparation for that moment has officially begun.
