By Ed McGranahan.

You’re always braced for Dabo Swinney’s hyperbole, but the Clemson football coach presented tangible, palatable evidence for optimism as the team prepared for Monday’s first practice of spring.

Despite the loss of 14 starters from the nation’s 15th-ranked team, including nine from the nation’s top defense, Clemson returns experience at virtually every position but punter, including quarterback Deshaun Watson and impressive depth at running back, tight end and in the secondary.

“I think our frontline guys have got good experience,” Swinney said Friday. “We just don’t have the experienced depth we’ve had the last year or so.”

If there is a singular concern it would be in identifying new leadership to replace the 28 lettermen, more than half of which Swinney speculated would check in at an NFL camp this summer.

“We lost some great leadership… some tough, tough battle-tested guys. That’s what we’ve got to develop in a hurry,” he said. “Every opportunity we get, we’ve got to develop the chemistry, the leadership, the toughness of some of these young talented guys. It’s critical we do that.”

One unexpected setback was the loss of junior offensive lineman Jay Guillermo to what Swinney characterized as a personal medical issue. Guillermo pushed starter Ryan Norton all season and was assured a starting role this spring.

By not saying more, Swinney protected Guillermo’s privacy.

“Really disappointed for him,” Swinney said. “I don’t anticipate him being with us this spring.”

Without him the offensive line includes six lettermen, five with significant experience, and a highly regarded freshman class. Last year’s line was often held together with tape and bailing wire.

“That entire room is going to be transformed,” Swinney said.

Swinney was quick to remind that the standards have not changed, even with the work facing them. However, the perspective was adjusted on defense.

“We were the standard,” Swinney said. The goal, then, is “how do we continue to sustain some of that success?”

During a self-evaluation, Swinney said they identified needs for improving efficiency in the red zone and cutting down on sacks.

“We’ve got 15 days. We’re not going to get it all done,” he said, “but we have got to make progress.”

Most notable this spring, Swinney pointed out, was the arrival in January of 15 from the 2015 freshman class of 25.

“Our football team is going through spring practice, and that isn’t always the case in college football,” he said. “It gives us a unique opportunity.”

Though he will not practice, Deshaun Watson’s role during the spring will be to assume a larger leadership role and help mentor junior Nick Schussler and new freshmen Kelly Bryant and Tucker Israel.

“He’s just killing it,” Swinney said of Watson’s rehab. “I’m really pleased with the progress he’s making.”

A few others will miss time with injuries including defensive tackle D.J. Reader, who dropped a weight on a big toe, but others are returning including running back Zac Brooks and tight end Jordan Leggett, both of whom are expected to assume leadership roles.

“We’re ready to roll. March 2nd can’t get here soon enough,” Swinney said. “I like our football team.”