August camp notes: Monday night

Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

Clemson just wrapped up its first practice with pads on (shoulder pads only). A few notes to pass along after speaking with Dabo Swinney.

-- Swinney said the defensive line - and unit as a whole - looks so much more different than the spring.

“Those first three days of spring practice, it was like, ‘wow, we got a lot of work to do.’ Hey man, we just look totally different now.”

Said he is so impressed and proud of the leadership of the defense from the veterans and how they have worked incredibly hard all offseason from a mental standpoint. Everyone is young up front, but across the board, Clemson looks “so much more like a knowledgeable defense.”

Very encouraged by the work everyone has put in while no one is watching. Said they have transformed physically and mentally since the last time he saw them on the field.

-- So far, the head man has been extremely impressed by what he has seen so far out of the team as a whole. From the returning starters to the scout team players, it has been an encouraging few first few days. Swinney said he’s been impressed by the bunch with their ability to hone in on the little things. Said the team is a little “ahead of schedule” going into Tuesday’s practice.

-- Swinney said so many players have stood out across the board. He is not disappointed with anyone.

-- Said he saw wide receiver Diondre Overton really buy into weights last year and it’s paying off now. Said Overton, who has grown from 205 pounds to 213, has become one of the best leaders on the team. Said Overton is “having a ball” at the slot position.

Also said they have not given any more thought as to keeping Overton at the slot position once Amari Rogers comes back from injury. Said Overton is a guy who can play any receiving position.

-- On J.C. Chalk: Swinney said he has transformed. Chalk is a lot more serious and is carrying himself like a veteran. Swinney has been pleased with his sense of urgency.

“I think it hit him right between the eyes this summer,” Swinney said.

-- On Jaelyn Lay: Said he has improved a ton since the spring, where Swinney said he “was spinning in circles” because of the mental aspect of the game. He’s looking to see if Lay will hit a wall in camp because he already jumps out physically. Swinney thinks he’ll eventually be a very good player.

-- Davis Allen is day-to-day with a leg injury and the staff is hoping he’ll be back on the practice field sooner rather than later.

-- Swinney said he thinks he has four guys who could start at safety and has been super pleased with the whole cornerback group.

We’ll have more tomorrow morning from Monday’s practice.