As Briningstool prepares for the Palmetto Bowl, 'We wouldn't be here without DJ'

Clemson tight end Jake Briningstool had three receptions for a team-leading 57 yards against Miami. He has 20 receptions for 252 yards with four touchdowns on the season. 

Briningstool is from Brentwood, TN, and played in last year's 30-0 rivalry game victory over South Carolina in Williams Brice Stadium. 

The sophomore spoke to the media on Monday to discuss the 40-10 win over Miami and the upcoming Palmetto Bowl matchup versus the Gamecocks. 

Briningstool on if playing in last year's Palmetto Bowl helps him in preparation for Saturday's game: 

"I would say definitely just last year playing in the game one time before, kind of knowing what the mindset is going into it, kind of knowing it's a little personal and kind of knowing what it takes for this week and everything that goes into it. I think definitely playing in it last year helps me out a lot this year -- knowing just what to expect. But, yeah, I'm really excited. I think we're gonna be able to dominate."

On the difference in having the game at Death Valley versus in Columbia: 

"It's a lot different playing there versus playing here. But, yeah, walking out getting stuff thrown, people yelling stuff. It's a whole different atmosphere being in Columbia than opposed to another ACC school. I'm excited for the challenge and I think it'd be a good game."

Graduate senior tight end Luke Price scored his first career touchdown on a three-yard reception from quarterback D.J. Uiagalelei to give the Tigers a 21-0 second quarter lead over Miami. 

On his reaction to the touchdown:

"I was fired up for Luke."

On what Price means to him and the other tight ends:

"As soon as, I came in as a freshman last year, Luke was just that old veteran guy, who kind of just always looked out for me. He mentored me. He kind of taught me the offense and he has always been there for me. And then transitioning to this year, he came back for his sixth year, he's just always been known as a hard-working and hard nose guy. And to get him a ball in the endzone and I think that's really special for him and then just for this offense, and I think it was really cool for a guy like that to get rewarded. So, it was really cool for all of us."

The offense was clicking early against Miami jumping out to a 24-0 lead but sputtered in the third quarter before scoring 14 points in the fourth to take final control of the game. Uiagalelei completed 23 of 35 of his pass attempts for 233 yards with two touchdowns but fumbled and threw an interception. He has seven of the team's 12 turnovers in the last four games. 

On watching Uiagalelei handle criticism when he and the offense struggles:

"I think as a quarterback that just comes with that position and all the criticism and everything that comes into it. And I think for DJ, especially everything he's gone through over the past two years or year and a half, I think it has really bettered him and made him a better quarterback, a better teammate, better leader. I think everything has just been for the positive.

"I love DJ. I would go to war for DJ. I'd do anything for DJ. So, I think just being there for him, giving him his confidence, letting him know that it's okay to make a mistake. We'll be here to have your back. And I think that's just helped him. We picked him up when he needed it and he's picked us up as an offense when we needed it. We wouldn't be here without DJ. I think that's really something to take notice of and I think we'll just keep on rolling."

Briningstool caught a 49-yard pass from Uiagalelei, his longest play of the year and career. The fourth-quarter reception set up running back Will Shipley's three-yard rushing touchdown.

On being wide open on the play and not getting the touchdown:

"That was the first time I got the ball open in space and got to run after the catch. I was a little surprised there was nobody around me but it felt good to get out in the open field and just take off and be able to run. 

"I was telling Ship, I was just helping him out being a good friend, trying to give him another touchdown. Tough one. I should have scored."