Editor’s Note: Transcribed and lightly edited for clarity. Filler words and repeated phrases removed; wording otherwise exact.
Q: How much has Cade been able to practice the last two days?
Swinney: “Just been limited. We’ve just been taking our time with him, and like I said yesterday, he’s gone from day-to-day to he’s hour-to-hour. Hopefully by tomorrow, he’ll be minute-to-minute.
But we’ll put out a report tomorrow night, first one, and we’ll keep going, getting better — literally getting better every hour. But we’ve just been smart with him, and he’s been able to do what he needed to do.”
Q: What does this week look like for Christopher Vizzina and Trent Pearman in terms of reps, and how have you kind of managed that with Cade’s status?
Swinney: “Yeah, I mean, those guys have took a ton of work and done a great job. I mean, if Cade can’t go, CV’s the guy for sure. He’s got to go get it done. We’ve got confidence that he could.”
Q: How much has Tristan Leigh been able to practice? You said he’s working his way back to 100 percent.
Swinney: “Same thing — just working back, you know, a little at a time. He’ll be another guy that I’m sure will be on the report once we get a good practice. We had a really good day today of practice as a team. So we’ll see where we are in the morning from trainers and all that stuff, and we’ll go from there.”
Q: Bryant Wesco was able to talk to us today about the rapport he’s been able to build with Cade Klubnik. What have you seen from him so far this season, and what next level do you think he can tap into?
Swinney: “If he stays healthy, he’s on his way to probably a 1,000-yard year. I mean, he’s having a great year. Outside of a couple of plays — he’s had a couple of misses that we needed him to make in a couple of games early in the season — but he’s had a heck of a year. He’s made some big plays, got a bunch of touchdowns, finished on a couple plays. He’s just getting better every week.
As far as the next level for him, it’s just to continue his ascension. He’s so improved from a physical standpoint from when he showed up here. There’s still more there, and that’ll happen as he just stays within the program and progresses.
From a technique and fundamental standpoint, he’s really gotten better there. He’s a very smart player. He really understands the game, he understands defense.
You know, as he continues to physically get better, I think he’ll be an even better finisher on the ball. So just proud of him. He’s done a heck of a job. He’s a handful. He’s done a nice job in the return game as well. Having a heck of a year.”
Q: On CV (Christopher Vizzina) — talking big picture, next year — what does he need to do, if anything, this season to produce the full confidence that he can be the guy?
Swinney: “Yeah, I ain’t worried about next year. I’m just worried about trying to beat SMU. I’m not worried about any of that stuff. CV’s done everything he needs to do in practice — that’s the only opportunity he’s had. So that’s what we go by.
He’s had limited playing time, and when he’s had a chance to play, he’s done fine. But I’m not worried about next year. I ain’t worried about next week. I’m worried about having a good Thursday and trying to win the game Saturday.”
Q: Is this the best version of Antonio Williams since leading into the LSU game — in terms of health and game readiness?
Swinney: “Yeah, I mean, he had an amazing camp. He was awesome, which is what was so frustrating. I think it was the fifth snap of the game for him, he’s out for three games.
He had an amazing camp. So yeah, I mean, just getting back in the rhythm of things. I guess the Syracuse game, I believe, you know, it’s just great to have him back.
He makes a difference when he’s on the field and has been impactful in a lot of ways. He rushed the ball three times for 10-something a carry, led us in receptions, I believe, and he’s made plays in a lot of different ways. So really proud of him.
We’re definitely a better team with him, that’s for sure.”
Q: How much stress does Jennings put on your back end with his ability to extend plays and keep his eyes downfield?
Swinney: “On a scale of 1 to 10, he’s an 11. I mean, just what it is. He makes a lot of plays within their scheme because he’s a really good player.
He can make all the throws. He knows their system inside and out — the RPOs, screens, outlets, zone-read stuff with RPOs built in outside. He’s great at all that.
They get him out of the pocket a lot. But it’s what you just said — you can have him kind of caged up, if you will, but he finds ways to get out.
If you give him a crease, he’ll take it.
Then he can extend to where you’ve got to cover these guys. There are times when you watch this tape, you’re like six, seven seconds plus on some of his plays where he’s able to hold the ball, which just creates a lot of stress on your back end.
You’ve got to cover these guys until the echo of the whistle from the ref. He’s just a gifted player, a great one. He puts a lot of strain on you in all areas.
I’m not saying he’s Lamar Jackson, but that’s the type of stress you feel when you’re playing this guy because he’s just that gifted. He makes plays, amazing throws, off-schedule plays, and sidearm throws. He has a good knack of moving defenders.
Again, you get him outside — he’s a good thrower on the run, too. Just a really good player, very good player. Got a lot of respect for him.
We got our hands full with him, for sure.”
Q: Seems like he’s also able to get a lot of velocity on those off-platform throws, just with a flip.
Swinney: “Oh, yeah, he can throw off his back foot 60 yards. He can rip it across the middle. He can make any throw you want. He’s got really good arm talent. Again, he’s got a ton of courage. I mean, he’s a tough kid. He’s not a big guy, but he plays big. Lot of courage.”
