Dabo Swinney addressed the media following the close of Clemson Signing Day, Wednesday. Swinney had high praise for his coaching staff that had to regroup following the departures of coordinators Tony Elliott (Virginia) and Brent Venables (Oklahoma) at the end of last season. Swinney also ventured onto the topics of moving the signing period forward, NIL and the transfer portal. With regard to the NIL, Swinney said, “Clemson was built on NIL. But it’s not what you’re thinking. It’s God’s Name, Image and Likeness. God has always been at the foundation of what we’ve done with this program.”
Swinney also briefly touched on his team’s preparations for the upcoming Orange Bowl matchup with Tennessee.
Key comments from Dabo Swinney
- The staff did a great job considering the changes after last season. I think our staff hit it out of the park. Also, a lot of guys that could have left have chosen to stay and that says a lot about our staff
- Seven states and DC represented in this group. Got kids coming from all over to be a part of what’s going on at Clemson. With 16 mid-years coming in, there’s going to be a lot of evaluation and competition in the Spring
- On QB signee Christopher Vizzina: Big, strong kid that can make all the throws. CB could play anywhere in the country. We brought in Paul Tyson, too, to provide some veteran leadership with the departure of D.J. (Uiagalelei)
- On RBs in signing class: Incredibly consistent guys. They are playing at a high level every game (Jamarius Haynes, Jarvis Green and preferred walk-on Peyton Sterko)
- Credits defensive coordinator Wes Goodwin with recruiting LBs Jamal Anderson and Dee Crayton: Super excited about these two. Exactly what we needed at that position
- Swinney is in favor of moving signing period even earlier: After August 1, you ought to be able to sign. If I were a high school coach, I would fight to move it forward. I think you ought to be able to just sign anytime and protect kids from fake offers
- On player movement: I think there should be some changes to the portal. If your head coach leaves or is fired, graduate, go anywhere and be eligible right away. But if not, sit a year. Get acclimated. Right now, we have no barriers. Let’s reincentivize graduation
- On taking more time to develop players: We need to have Crock Pot mentality. When your mom puts the Crock Pot on in the morning, you know it’s going to be good when you get home at 6. But now, it’s microwave mentality. Usually not best meal out of the microwave
