Dabo Swinney Previews Season Opener: Updates on Injuries, Position Battles, and Roster Exp
On Walker Parks’ Status
“He’s been able to practice quite a bit the last couple of days. He’s been in pads, getting reps, and working in team periods. He’s still working his way back to 100 percent, but he’s in a good spot.”
On the Left Guard Competition
“We’ve got seven guys, and they’re all starters. Whoever runs out there first, it doesn’t matter. They’re all going to play. Whoever Matt (Luke) runs out there fisrt, I’ll be good with it.”
On Jeadyn Lukus Returning from Injury
“He got behind early, but he was able to get some scrimmage work in, which was big. He missed the two main scrimmages, but he’s had some live reps the past couple of weeks. He’s looked good. Could be our No. 3 corner, —he’s a good one.”
On Tyler Brown’s Growth
“It’s just great to have him back. He’s been about his business every day. Had an excellent camp. He’s the best version of himself since he arrived at Clemson. He was a really good player as a freshman, missed last year, and now heading into his third season, he’s really developing into a good player.”
On Alcohol Sales in Memorial Stadium
“This is probably the first game they’ve been selling it, but it ain’t the first time it’s been there, I promise you. They’ve always let fans leave at halftime, and I’m sure they ain’t all bringing Diet Coke back in. It’s kind of like NIL—and pre-NIL, right?”
On Expanded Scholarships and Walk-Ons
“We’ve put our 105 on scholarships. We were at about 89, so we’ve got a group of guys we wanted to keep. You’ve got snappers, receivers, linemen—guys that you need to practice. So as we move forward, if your number is 14 and receiver, you can’t go get 14 guys like Bryant Wesco or T.J. Moore. You have to be very strategic in how you put it together. We are at a full allotment of 105.”
On Vic Burley’s Development
“He’s earned it. He’s had a really good fall camp. This is the best version I’ve seen since he got to Clemson. His first year was a wash, and he redshirted. Last year was kind of inconsistent, but he had a good spring and a great summer. He’s really earned that opportunity to be in the mix. He’s not the finished version, but he’s the best he has been since he arrived. He has put himself in a position to help us.”
On Ronan Hanafin at Safety
“Ronan’s one of those guys that you just love. Plays the game with passion, with toughness, with physicality. He’s a great preparer. You cannot ask enough of him. His battery never runs low—ever. Last year, I was kind of mad at myself—I wish I had moved him in the spring. He’s much more equipped now. It amplifies his tangibles. He’s competing his butt off. He’s going to have to have a great year for us—for sure.”
