CLEMSON
- Clemson began spring football practice on Wednesday afternoon. The Tigers will have a total of 15 practices, including the spring game on March 28th. Prior to heading out to join his players, coach Dabo Swinney met with the media for an update on personnel and other off-season developments.
- Some of Swinney’s key comments:
- It’s going to be a very competitive spring. A ton of competition. No player should have a sense of peace. Likes the roster, 35 have started games in the past, 60 who have played in the playoffs, 57 with ACC Championship rings.
- Only Olsen Patt-Henry and Collin Sadler are out all spring, Wesco is back and running around, Jacobs, Thurmon, Moore are also doing well and will be involved in spring to some extent.
- Tristan Smith is still with them and will be working out and staying ready in case he gets another season of eligibility.
- The free agents are a good group of guys, seen a lot of film on them, looking forward to working with them. Looking forward to Vizzina taking the QB job and run with it, show up every day and prove it.
- Feels Vizzina is a natural, wants to see him take command of the offense. show up every day, prove it and earn it. No plan to make the quarterbacks live during practice.
- Close on a decision on a new special teams coordinator, plans to announce something soon.
- Spent last week with 20 head coaches on a Nike trip, his complaints about Ole Miss tampering, if nothing else, sparked a lot of conversation. It’s about what you can and can’t do.
- Asked about Virginia QB Chandler Morris seeking a 7th season, with his dad at Clemson, Swinney joked that rumors would start about him coming to Clemson, said Chandler would be at Virginia if he gets another season.
- All of the 105 on the roster will be on scholarship.
- Will have more offensive tackles than normal, which is good, they will have eight tackles available for spring practice.