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Clemson Football

Georgia Tech's Collins calls facing Clemson's defensive line 'a big challenge' for team

September 1, 2022
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Collins on preparing for Clemson with new co-defensive coordinators Wes Goodwin and Mickey Conn and offensive coordinator Brandon Streeter:

"I think one of the biggest things you look at is the amount of success that they've had on both sides of the ball. They've had great players in the organization and across every position on their roster and the things that have been successful. We go through all of the spring game footage as well, just to see any nuances that might have been added or taken away. But the biggest piece is the players.

"When Coach [Dabo] Swinney makes such a decision, obviously he respects and values those people that he has elevated and they know the system inside and out and their system has been very successful with very good players and obviously we have to be ready to adjust in-game to any new novelties that may arise that might be different from years past. But it starts with the players, and they have really good players across the board." 

On running back Will Shipley (Shipley had 88 yards on 21 carries and scored two touchdowns against Georgia Tech): 

"He's a really good player. As we introduced their offense to our defense, it is just the quality that they have at all the skill positions. The way the quarterback, the things that they are saying about how he has dropped weight and those kind of things. He is a dangerous runner, throws a nice deep ball, runs that offense when it's clicking. I think they won six straight to end the season, so we have our hands full. They are a really good offense, and they got really good skill players and they got four returning starters up front that we have to compete against. The guys understand it and they are working every single day to be ready."

On if he has talked to his team about last season's 8-14 loss to the Tigers: 

"Obviously, it shows up in the cut-ups, but the biggest thing is this is a whole new team that we have and the biggest thing is us getting ready to play together at a high level and I think the messaging, the way we have talked internally and the way our guys have talked. It is just understanding that nothing is easy. You got to fight through things, there's going to be situations that arise, and how we handle the hard things will say a lot about us and how we can overcome that and we've been working towards those things."

On the matchup of his offensive line vs an experienced Clemson defensive line:

"I think it's arguably the best front four in college football, and I don't know how much of an argument there is on the other side. They're really good, really good players and they play really, really hard as well. They've got a scheme suited for the defensive line to make an impact. Obviously, we know we have our work cut out for us and Coach [Brent] Key has worked really, really hard developing and making sure the right matchups or the right way we line up is complimentary, so we can have some success. We know it's a big challenge. They are really, really good players. They have depth as well across their front and so it's a challenge and our guys know it's a challenge and they have to come out every single day and work to be ready to play at a high level."

On if former Clemson players Taisun Phommachanh (quarterback) and Paul Tchio (offensive lineman) are of any strategic help:

"Taisun Phommachanh played quarterback there, very fortunate that we have him in our organization. Not only is he a really good player, he has been a great member, a great addition to the organization and then Paul Tchio has come in and [we are] excited about his contributions as well across the offensive line but just the conversations out of respect, I don't want to put them in a compromising position. But the biggest thing is we are just so glad they are a part of our team, part of our family, and we are just trying to get ready to work. I know they got close relationships on the other sideline as well, so I just try to be respectful of that and just glad they are both here on our team working every single day at a high level."

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Georgia Tech's Collins calls facing Clemson's defensive line 'a big challenge' for team

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