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CLEMSON — Dabo Swinney wasn't going to leave Ashton Hampton out of the conversation.
When Clemson's head coach was asked Saturday whether the battle between the Tigers' defensive backs and wide receivers had become more competitive since the spring, Swinney quickly offered one exception.
“Yeah, except Ashton,” Swinney said. “I better make sure I give my props to Ashton, cause if I don't, he'll be texting me tonight. He's keeping a tally. I promise you, he's keeping a tally.”
Hampton has apparently given Swinney plenty to keep track of during preseason camp.
The 6-foot-2, 200-pound junior cornerback has been competing against a Clemson receiving corps that is loaded, although Swinney noted that T.J. Moore was held out but ‘should be back soon’.
Swinney did, however, describe the overall battle between the receivers and defensive backs as competitive; he made it clear Hampton has consistently distinguished himself.
“There’s been some battles out there with Ashton and Wesco and those guys,” Swinney said. “I mean, but Ashton? He talks a lot, but he walks it too.”
That competition is notable considering the caliber of receiver Hampton is seeing across from him.
Wesco enters his junior season after averaging 17.3 yards per reception in 2025, when he caught 31 passes for 537 yards and a team-high six receiving touchdowns despite appearing in only seven games after a season-ending injury.
Going against that type of talent throughout camp gives Hampton an opportunity to test himself before Clemson turns its attention toward its Sept. 5 season opener at LSU.
Saturday's scrimmage provided another opportunity, although Swinney said Clemson had Hampton on a pitch count.
“I had him on a pitch count today, I'm really proud of him,” Swinney said.
Swinney's comments also offered some context for how the competition has changed since the spring.
Earlier in the year, Clemson's defensive backs had largely controlled the outside matchups. This preseason, Swinney said the competition has been more balanced outside of Hampton's continued strong play.
“Outside of Ashton, it's been a really competitive deal,” Swinney said.
It's only preseason camp, and Clemson still has three weeks before the results begin to count.
But as Swinney evaluates a defense that will need new players to establish themselves in larger roles this fall, Hampton appears to be making sure his performance — and apparently his running tally — doesn't go unnoticed.
