Freshmen Standouts Catch Dabo Swinney's Eye

With the No. 14 Clemson Tigers set to face off against the No. 1 Georgia Bulldogs on August 31 in the Aflac Kickoff Game in Atlanta, head coach Dabo Swinney addressed the media following the Tigers' second scrimmage of fall camp. Clemson is entering the final stages of preparation for its highly anticipated season opener.

Scrimmage Takeaways

Swinney highlighted the importance of this final preseason scrimmage as a key marker in the team's readiness. "It was good. It's the last preseason game—if you will," Swinney said. "Tomorrow is our last camp practice. We will have a day off Saturday and start Georgia prep starting Sunday."

Clemson will now shift its focus to the Bulldogs, with Swinney stressing that the Tigers are moving out of "camp mode" and into game preparation. "Got a good plan. Now it's out of camp mode. Finish up on Clemson and turn our eyes on our opponent," he said.

Injury Updates

One of the biggest positives from camp so far has been the team’s health. "The biggest thing is that nobody got hurt," Swinney noted. "You don't get tough in the season. You have to show up ready to play football." However, there were a few significant injury updates. Swinney announced that three players are out for the year—Watson Young and Myles Oliver, both with ACL injuries, and offensive lineman Ian Reed.

In addition, defensive back Shelton Lewis is day-to-day with a lower-body injury.

Quarterbacks Impress

Swinney praised his quarterbacks' development throughout camp, highlighting their progress. "I've been really pleased. Those three guys have all made steps and gotten better," Swinney said.

The depth at the position looks promising, with Swinney singling out backup quarterback Christopher Vizzina for his impressive camp. "Man, he's way ahead of where I hoped he would be. His ball placement. The game has really slowed down for him. It's been a good camp for him. It's good for the team. He's made some big-time plays."

Running Back Rotation

Swinney also took time to discuss his running back group, especially the emergence of Keith Adams, Jay Haynes, and David Eziomume. "Keith Adams is kind of his own guy and brings a different pitch," Swinney said. "Jay Haynes and David Eziomume are kind of in that [Phil] Mafah category."

Mafah, Clemson's veteran and alpha in the running back room, was held out of the scrimmage, allowing the younger players to step into larger roles. "

We held a couple of guys today like Mafah," Swinney said. "We wanted to see all the young guys and how they would handle that role."

Freshmen Making Strides

Several freshmen have caught Swinney's attention in camp, including wide receiver TJ Moore, who has made steady progress. "He's gotten better every day. It's slowing down for him, and you are starting to see his natural gifts. Every day, he is coming on and getting better," Swinney said.

Swinney also noted that while Moore and fellow freshman Bryant Wesco are making great strides, “they are not Jerry Rice yet, but they are going to be good ones if they stay healthy and keep progressing like we want.”

On defense, Ashton Hampton and redshirt freshman Vic Burley are also standing out. "He's a great-looking kid. He's big and strong. You don't see many freshmen that look like him from a size standpoint," Swinney said of Hampton. As for Burley, Swinney added, "Burley had a good day today. Really proud of him. You notice him. When Burley is in there—and his motor is going—he's a problem."

Tight end Christian Bentancur has also emerged as a standout freshman. Swinney offered high praise for the young player, saying, "He might be as good a kid as we've ever signed at that position. That's pretty strong praise. We've got a strong room, but that kid—he's going to be a fun one to coach and watch develop."

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