Dabo Swinney looking for Clemson to make 'a big jump' on offense
We’ve been on the floor at the Allen N. Reeves Football Complex all morning, taking in the scene and getting tons of news and nuggets out of Clemson today.
Here are a few quick notes from head coach Dabo Swinney’s time with the media. We will also add the full audio from this sit-down once things wrap up.
"As coaches, we love this time of year. We start over in January, but it all builds to this. You are starting over in recruiting— new team, new leadership, it all builds to right now."
Dabo Swinney says they will start their "All-In" meetings with staff tomorrow, and they will last about five days.
Dabo Swinney talks about the offense "taking a big jump in Year 2" under OC Garrett Riley and QB Cade Klubnik.
Dabo Swinney says the defense has to improve in the red zone this year as well. Notes that figuring out how to use their best four upfront is important for the defense.
Swinney notes that the Tigers have to be better in the FG game in 2024.
“We’ve got to win the close games—eight points or less—since 2011, I think we are at like 78%, but we haven’t been good in those games the past three seasons. We’ve had a ton of good fortune with health—you need a little luck along the way. It’s football. You’ve got to take the good with the bad.”
On the Georgia game: "If you win it—it doesn't tell you much either—you still have to go win your next game. You find out where you are at that moment. If it's all about that, you get beat by App St. the next week. It's an opener. Regardless of who we play, you want to come out of camp and put your best foot forward. You've got to be playoff-ready—game one."
On not playing South Carolina on Black Friday: “I was against it for several reasons. I’m happy to go do it in Columbia if that’s what they want to do. I was against it because I don’t think it’s best for Clemson. I don’t think it’s best for this town—or this community. The people in this town, they make their hay on Saturdays. What’s best for our fans? What’s best for recruiting?”
On Phil Mafah being the Alpha at running back: “Phil had a decision to make. He certainly could have been drafted and gone pro. He really wants to be the guy. As you all know Phil is a quiet kid. It’s been fun to watch him find his voice. He came back here to finish. I’m proud of Mafah. That’s what I love about my job.”
On kicker Robert Gunn: “He’s handled it well. It was a tough year for him. He had a great spring, great summer, great fall camp, but had some failure early (last season). I didn’t know what to expect this spring. I thought Robert was one of the bright spots this spring. More to come, but how will he take that to game day? What he did this spring demonstrated his competitiveness.”
On Nick Saban no longer being at Alabama: "It's good to know he's not going to get a rematch after that last one. He's got to live with that one. Because chances are, if he did, he'd get some 'get back.' He's the best to ever do it."
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