By Zachary Wagner
A hoarse-voiced Dabo Swinney met with the media via zoom following the conclusion of The Clemson Tigers Football scrimmage on the last day of fall camp on Tuesday afternoon. With school starting for the student-athletes tomorrow, Clemson will now go back to the 20 hours a week max practice model preparing for its opening week game against Wake Forest on September 12th.
Swinney stated that the scrimmage they held today focused more on “situational football” and dealing with different situations that may come up during the course of a season. Swinney stated that the defense did much better today than in the scrimmage last saturday and got after the quarterback much better, even recording a few sacks.
Coach Swinney announced some very exciting news during his time with the media and also had some very high praise for some of his players.
Who’s back?
Swinney announced that the trio of Amari Rodgers, Frank Ladson Jr. and Joseph Ngata all returned to practice since the media last spoke with him. This is great news as those three are no doubtely the best three receivers on the Clemson roster at this point with the most experience.
Swinney was visibly excited about getting Amari Rodgers back stating that, “he looks like a pro. The way he practices and the way he carries himself, he looks like a pro.” Coach Swinney also spoke on Rodgers’ quickness after coming back last season from an ACL tear during spring ball: “he’s fast. He’s very quick and I think he looks the fastest he’s ever been.”
Another surprise player that is returning to Allen N. Reeves Football Facility is none other than C.J. Spiller as an undergrad intern while he focuses on completing his Masters at the school. Spiller will be helping in the running backs room, and if the running backs can learn anything from one of the greatest Clemson running backs to ever do it, well then we’re in good hands.
High Praise
Swinney had some very high praise for some of the stars on his football team on Tuesday afternoon. Swinney said, “you really forget how special that number nine is” when speaking on his star running back Travis Etienne. The head coach also spoke on his future NFL quarterback stating: “it’s just a joy to watch that 16 practice.”
Swinney also talked about his true freshman 5-star quarterback DJ Uiagalelei and how his first fall camp has been. “He’s a very, very gifted player. He is as advertised and he’s been picking the offense up very quickly.”
Swinney told the media that cornerback Derion Kendrick and freshman running back Demarkus Bowman had their best day of practice today as well.
Swinney also sung his high praises for the offensive line, stating that the first string offensive line “has a chance to be a special group”. Tiger fans should love to hear that after having to replace four seniors on the o-line from last year.
Make sure to follow Clemson Sports News on Twitter (@Clemsportsnews) as we live-tweet our coverage of media availability over zoom with coaches and players as they become available after practice.
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