Swinney Praises Competition, Freshman Standouts After First Fall Scrimmage
Opening statement:
“All right, well, got the first preseason game down. It's about as good as we can do. It was a competitive day, really competitive on both sides. Got a lot done. This was the first time to really… we had a very controlled, probably six to nine live plays earlier in the week. This was the first time to really just go play the ball where it is and just have to react to the situations.”
“We had ACC refs here today, really tried to create a good game feel for the coaches too, just as much as the players—especially with a couple of new people from an operations standpoint. It was good to see the defense. I thought they had a couple of scores early. Branden Strozier had a big play, Tink Kelly had a big play, kind of set the tone early in the day. Then the offense battled back and made some big plays.”
“Honestly, this was probably one of the more competitive first scrimmages we’ve had in a while. Sometimes one side has a better day, but today there were moments I was mad at the offense, mad at the defense, happy with the offense, happy with the defense, then pissed again. Usually that’s a good thing when both sides compete. A lot of guys flashed, got really good work—red zone, short yardage, first-and-goal, goal line. Had a lot of punting competition—three-horse race right now. Need them consistently good, not occasionally great.”
Q: You pleased with the tackling for the most part?
“Yeah, I mean, there wasn’t anything glaring. Probably the worst part of the defense today was the third group—they didn’t compete like we needed them to. But tackling overall? Nothing glaring.”
Q: Did you come out of it fairly healthy?
“I think so. I mean, there’s always some guys that get banged up, but for the most part, I think so.”
Q: Any of those guys who were banged up come back today?
“Dietrick Pennington was there. Jeadyn Lukus is probably more like Monday or Tuesday—he should be back rolling. Khalil Barnes wasn’t able to go today—still working his way back.”
Q: How do the safeties look in his Barnes’ place?
“Safeties have actually been a bright spot. Hate that Khalil’s been out a few days, but it’s forced opportunities for Ronan Hanafin, Ricardo Jones, Kylon Griffin, Rob Billings, Kylen Webb. They’re getting a ton of work. The arrow’s up for that group.”
Q: First big-boy football for Ian—was he able to keep his trend going?
“Yeah, he’s trending in the right direction. Pleased with him. He’s physical, willing, not afraid. Technique stuff to clean up, but getting better every day.”
Q: The two defensive touchdowns—what did you see?
“First one was a really good defensive call—caught us in man coverage, switched it off. Quarterback didn’t know they were switching it. Great play by Tink Kelly. The other was a competitive play that Branden Strozier came down with, and we didn’t get him on the ground.”
Q: Who threw the picks?
“Cade Klubnik had one, Christopher Vizzina had one.”
Q: How did the running game perform?
“That was the one thing I wrote down—plus running backs. Very productive group. I know people think we don’t have good players there, but I like our running backs.”
Q: How did Cade do today?
“Really good. Had the one early but bounced right back, made big plays. Both Cade and Vizzina had a negative play in the red zone—that can’t happen. Cade took a sack on first down. Vizzina had a penalty where the ref said all 11 weren’t set. That’s on the quarterback.”
Q: Anybody have spectacular catches today?
“T.J. Moore had a great catch. Tristan Smith had a touchdown catch in the back of the end zone. Chase Byrd had a nice run after the catch on a conversion. Antonio Williams made plays. Tyler Brown had a heck of a catch on a screen—got blown up but held on.”
Q: In the OL vs DL battle, did one side win?
“No, it was competitive. Both sides had moments. One guy who flashed was Vic Burley—couple of sacks. Linebackers keep trending up: Sammy Brown, Wade Woodaz, Jeremiah Alexander, Kobe McCloud, Dee Crayton, Jamal Anderson—good group developing.”
Q: Was Tom Allen in the box?
“He was. That’s probably where he’s most comfortable operating.”
Q: Was Amare Adams out there?
“No—sprained ankle yesterday. Should be back soon.”
