By William Qualkinbush.

By William Qualkinbush

Brent Venables has developed a reputation as quite the intense competitor, especially on the sidelines during games. But for Clemson’s defensive coordinator, that intensity does not shut down once the buzzer sounds and the game ends.

In an energetic half-hour radio interview on Tuesday at the Reserve at Lake Keowee, Venables displayed considerable emotion about a number of topics. One of them was, in fact, his intensity, which he says can sometimes be misunderstood. He was quick to point out the method to his madness by explaining his philosophy on teaching with a positive message.

Venables also downplayed the expectations for some of his defensive players, particularly those who chose to return to school instead of declaring for the NFL Draft. He said he has seen players come back “like prima donnas” and have disappointing seasons because they get blinded by what the draft process tells them about their respective futures.

Venables did add that players like Vic Beasley and Stephone Anthony have shown no signs of letting up this summer. He also extended his comments by discussing his primary goal: forgetting about expectations—both for individuals and the team—and simply getting stops however he can.

Among other things, Venables explained why he likes to use smaller linebackers and bigger safeties at the strong side position to provide flexibility. He sees the NFL adapting to changes in the college game by accepting more “hybrid” players at the position.

Recruiter on recruiting. A common theme during Tuesday’s proceedings was dispelling the notion that the staff was taken aback by the decisions of players like Sammy Watkins and Martavis Bryant to the NFL Draft. Jeff Scott says replacing early entries into the draft is the reason he enjoys recruiting. It is a challenge, Scott says, that everyone saw coming down the pike.

Head Coach Dabo Swinney said the premature loss of players is a product of the growth of the program. His stance is that turnover happens “when players get good”, which he says is the goal for Clemson’s program.

Note the quotes. Speaking with assistant coaches always leads to some interesting quotes. This year’ event was no exception.

Dabo Swinney used a basketball analogy concerning freshman quarterback Deshaun Watson. He says the staff will work with him on the basic parts of the offense until those parts are “like a layup” to him.

Chad Morris said people who doubt the ability of his system to withstand key personnel losses make him “madder than a wet-setting hen”, a saying that means exactly what it seems. Robbie Caldwell—always an interesting interview—said he spent his time off attacking a “tremendous honey-do list” and described himself as a “catalog fisherman” who likes to look at and buy equipment but never really gets out and does it.

Caldwell also said he tried to learn Japanese to communicate with Kalon Davis, who spent a good portion of the summer in Japan for his studies. He ended the interview by saying he was ready to “get after it like a one-armed man fighting off yellow jackets”.