Swinney on Clemson's Scrimmage: 'Not anywhere—where we need to be'
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With Clemson's season opener against No. 1 Georgia on the horizon, Dabo Swinney met with the media to discuss the Tigers' first fall scrimmage, providing insights into the team's progress as they gear up for the August 31 showdown in Atlanta.
Mixed Results in the First Scrimmage
Swinney described the scrimmage as a mix of highs and lows, which is typical for this stage of preparation. "There was some good and some bad—like there always is," Swinney remarked. "We're not anywhere—where we need to be, but it's the next step for us in the preparation process."
While the head coach acknowledged standout moments from both sides of the ball, he also highlighted areas needing improvement. A missed tackle in the open field was among the defensive lapses, though there were bright spots, with Khalil Barnes and Ricardo Jones each securing takeaways.
Offensive Line Takes the Spotlight
One of the most encouraging signs for Clemson was the performance of the offensive line, which Swinney credited with winning the day.
"If you are made of the right stuff and you have pride in your performance—you get better," Swinney said, praising the experience within the unit. "It's not a surprise."
Quarterbacks Cade Klubnik and Christopher Vizzina also drew positive reviews from Swinney, as both continue to impress in fall camp. "Both did good things today," Swinney noted.
Key Players on the Mend
Swinney provided updates on several key players, including wide receiver Cole Turner, who has been dealing with some minor injuries but remains a crucial part of the offense. "He makes us different," Swinney said, emphasizing Turner's speed and playmaking ability.
Defensive linemen Vic Burley and Stephiylan Green were held out of the scrimmage, with Swinney noting that both are day-to-day as they recover. The coaching staff is taking a cautious approach to ensure they are fully ready for the season ahead.
Freshman Standout: Bryant Wesco
One of the most intriguing players in camp has been freshman wide receiver Bryant Wesco. Swinney affectionately dubbed Wesco "Steady Eddie" for his consistent performances. "He's just a kid that the game is not too big for," Swinney said. "He had another good day today. He just makes plays. He's a fast kid."
Looking Ahead
As Clemson continues its fall camp, the focus will be on ironing out the details and building on the progress made in this first scrimmage. With the season opener against the nation's top-ranked team less than three weeks away, Swinney and his staff have plenty of work to do before kickoff against the Bulldogs.
