Talking Tuesday: Dabo Swinney Previews Wake Forest

We had a chance to hear from Dabo Swinney ahead of Clemson’s opener at Wake Forest. We will post the full audio/video shortly.

Dabo Swinney

“This is our normal Tuesday press conference, but not normal in an empty room. Thankful and grateful that it’s game week.”

“These guys have been amazing. I’ve seen our culture ‘win the day’ during this tough time."

“Openers are always the toughest games because you have no tape. There are always new people you haven’t seen, but we are excited about it."

“Wake Forest is a well-coached team. I’ve got a lot of respect for Coach Clawson. We’ve spent a lot of time together since March in meetings. We’ve got a meeting tomorrow.”

“On the offensive side, probably one of the most unique schemes that we play."

“I thought they won the second quarter (last year) but we made some big plays. These guys have a lot of fight to them. We’ve got to be ready to play."

On how he feels about this group compared to the best teams:

“This is a special group. No team that I’ve had has had to battle through the challenges that this group has. I think they have an appreciation that’s very different."

On one position group he’s concerned about:

“Yes, our depth on the OL. I feel really good about our first group, but I can’t wait to see our second group."

On Bryan Bresee being a co-starter:

“It says a lot about how prepared he was when he got here. Physically he was ready the day he got here. He worked his tail off from January till now to be in a better position to compete. I’m excited about him."

On Trevor Lawrence’s leadership:

“The nature of this position puts him in that role, but just because you are a quarterback doesn’t make you a leader. He’s got an incredible foundation in his life."

On Cornell Powell:

“I’m super excited for him. He’s got a very meaningful role on this team."

On the backup quarterbacks:

“Streeter has told me who he wants to run out there.” - Went on to say that he feels good about both Taisun Phommachanh and D.J. Uiagalelei.

On comparing this team to his best teams ever:

“This team has a deep, deep appreciation for the opportunity to play ball. There is a great spirit to the team. This team has fought to play. Nobody has to be here, and everybody is here. That speaks to our program and their love and respect for each other."

On Trevor Lawrence’s national voice:

“I think it has been awesome that he has been willing to listen to others’ perspectives and been willing to be a voice for the things he believes in."

On comparing D.J. Uiagalelei to Trevor Lawrence and Deshaun Watson:

“Very similar, he’s just 250.”