By Will Vandervort.

Clemson head football coach Dabo Swinney can’t wait to get on the practice field this afternoon as the Tigers open spring practice.

Why?

“I like our football team,” he said.

Swinney and the rest of the Clemson coaches might like what they have, but they know they have a lot to try and get accomplished over the next 15 practices. On defense the Tigers must replace eight starters from a unit that led the country in total defense and in 10 other areas. That includes all four starters on the defensive line and two linebackers.

On offense, they must replace five starters, including three on the offensive line.

“Obviously, there is a lot to replace,” Swinney said. “But I like how we have recruited and I like our young talent. I think with our front line guys we have good experience, but we just don’t have the experience depth that we have had the last year or so.”

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