Talking Season | Clemson holds media day ahead of 2022 Season

The Clemson coaching staff sat down with the media today and we've got several notes from the event with much more to come over the next few weeks as we press towards kickoff. The event opened with media members getting a chance to hear from the offensive coaching staff. 

Here are a few quick-- and potentially unedited notes. We begin with running backs coach, C.J. Spiller.

C.J. Spiller | Running Backs

Spiller noted that he feels really confident with the group heading into the season. Says the trio is talented and they are going to work hard to get all three guys on the field-- and productive. Spiller said there is a lot to build on and that everybody is back and healthy.

Spiller was asked about NIL and if he gets questions about it while recruiting and he said that doesn’t come up. Some families want to talk about Spiller as a player-- they remember seeing him as a TIger-- and how their child will fit in Clemson’s system etc.

Tyler Grisham | Wide Receivers

Tyler Grisham noted that WR Joe Ngata is ‘the healthiest he’s been’ since his arrival at Clemson. Says he had a phenomenal winter. Glad to see him able to compete at 100%. 

E.J. Williams is expected to be ‘full go’ from day one. Clemson expects him to be able to help them as a starter this season. 

Grisham says he learned a lot during the COVID year. Says the Tigers didn’t have the same level of ‘senior leadership’ after losing guys like Amari Rodgers and Cornell Powell. Says he might have taken some things for granted, but he learned from that.

‘As a coach, I love my guys. I hated them not being at full strength. I have a high standard for myself. I can be my worst critic. I’m hungry. Our guys are hungry to show what we are about.’

Brandon Streeter | Offensive Coordinator 

Streeter says the transition to OC has been a great process. The spring was really good for the staff to figure out what they need to keep or adjust. 

Says Kyle Richardson will be on the field during games and things will work like they did during the bowl game last season. Streeter will be calling plays from the booth this season.

Streeter says that the Tigers are ‘as deep’ at running back as they’ve been since he’s been at Clemson.

Streeter says that D.J. Uiagalelei has taken some really good steps.

‘He’s one of those guys who learned a lot last year. He’s really committed to getting his body in better shape. He’s lost anywhere from 30-35 pounds. He’s back healthy. He feels great. His knee is totally healthy which has given him more confidence each and every day. Then mentally, he’s in a really good spot.’ – On D.J. Uiagalelei

Nick Eason | Defensive Tackles

Says that Bryan Bresee and Tre Williams have done a ‘tremendous job of taking care of their bodies’ this offseason. ‘They are going to have to learn to be pros before they become pros.’

Eason wants the duo to be more proactive with their bodies to prevent injuries.

Eason says the group is ‘ready to rock and roll’. 

Eason thinks his experience in the NFL-- being around great players who have played double-digit seasons is that it is all about how you take care of your body. Eason is trying to bring that knowledge to the college level.

Nick Eason noted-- as C.J. Spiller did as well-- that Clemson doesn’t lead their recruiting with NIL at the forefront. He said that if you are ‘chasing dollars’ Clemson might not be the place for you.

Eason believes Clemson has ‘some of the best depth in the country’. Says it is a good situation to be in as long as we stay healthy. ‘It’s my job to be demanding-- not demeaning.’ It’s going to be a challenge for us to stay healthy-- that’s what I’m focused on-- and developing the talent in the room.’

Eason compared DC Wes Goodwin to Steelers legendary defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau. Eason also feels like Goodwin is going to put the players in position to be successful. ‘A lot of people may underestimate him, but big surprises come in small packages. I’m not going to be surprised with the way our defense is going to look.’

We will continue to update this post throughout the day.