WR Tristan Smith breaks out, helps Offense to 33-15 victory over Defense in Clemson Spring Game (AUDIO)

**Tristan Smith hauled in five passes for 137 yards in his first action at Death Valley (Clemson Athletics)**

DEATH VALLEY: Every year, there is a breakout player from the annual Spring Game. In a controlled environment, with multiple players adorning non-contact jerseys, you can’t always believe your eyes or the stats. Most “Spring Game Heroes” retreat back to obscurity and tumble down the depth chart once the season opener approaches in August.

But there are also the rare cases when the fans in attendance and assembled media get a sneak peek of a player, often new to the roster, whose impact will be felt once the real pad-popping commences in the fall.

Only time will which category wide receiver Tristan Smith will fall into, but the 6’5″ transfer made his presence felt on this day, showcasing ball skills in making multiple acrobatic catches and leading the Clemson Offense to a 33-15 Spring Game victory over the Clemson Defense.

Smith finished with five catches for 137 yards and a 72-yard touchdown. Head coach Dabo Swinney said “they forced the ball to Smith a few times” as part of the game plan because they need him to step up and contribute. With Smith’s emergence, Swinney said he’s confident the wide receiver corps can go “six-deep.”

Starting quarterback Cade Klubnik took all of his snaps in the first half, finishing 11 of 17 for 118 yards and an interception (Khalil Barnes). Most of the carries were split among running backs David Eziomume (11-69), Keith Adams, Jr. (7-47) and Gideon Davidson (9-31).

In addition to Smith’s big day, Bryant Wesco, Jr. and Antonio Williams combined to make a handful of plays that Clemson has come to expect from the duo.

On the other side of the ball, new defensive coordinator Tom Allen’s unit displayed its renewed emphasis on tackling. DE Jaheim Lawson (sack, TFL), LB Jeremiah Alexander (7 tackles), Tyler Venables (int), Derion Mayo (5 tackles, sack) and Vic Burley all flashed defensively.

Swinney pointed out the defense is not whole due to some offseason surgeries, but he expects to be “close to 100%” in August.

Kicker Nolan Hauser picked up from where he left off at the end of last season, making field goals of 24, 37 and 49 yards. The punting battle between Jack Smith and Will McCune will continue into the fall with neither creating separation from the other in the Spring session.

With the Spring portion of the calendar coming to a close, the Tigers will now turn their attention to the season opener against LSU on Aug. 30.