Clemson is still without head coach Dabo Swinney, who is spending time with his family in Alabama after the passing of his father. However, that has not stopped the players from continuing to practice and improve.
Here is what we heard from the players after day seven of fall camp:
Co-offensive coordinator Tony Elliot mentioned that C.J. Davidson was climbing the latter at running back. Davidson is now second on the depth chart but knows that there is a lot of competition.
“Everybody’s been playing fast. There’s really no drop off right now,” Davidson said. “The competition is definitely there.”
Davidson is one of the oldest running backs, and although he is not a very vocal leader, he still tries to lead by example to help the team out.
“The guys respond well to me as a leader. I just continue to push the younger guys and continue to keep the competitive spirit in the room. That’s my job,” he said.
Davidson believes he has grown from the mistakes he made on the field last season, and he is working hard to make sure that those mistakes don’t define him as a player.
“I feel a lot more comfortable in the system,” the senior said.
Nickel back Travis Blanks has benefitted both physically and mentally from taking a redshirt year, and he is ready to start contributing to the team again.
“I don’t have any limitations. I feel the best I’ve ever felt,” said Blanks. “It feels great doing what I love to do.”
Although he hasn’t been able to play physically, he was mentally invested throughout his entire redshirt year.
“As far as preparation goes, I haven’t missed a step,” said Blanks.
Blanks is just happy to have the opportunity to play in a game again.
“If I wasn’t excited, then I probably shouldn’t be here with a uniform on,” he said.
The 12th-ranked Tigers will hit the field again Wednesday morning for their second two-a-day of camp. They are expected to go for two hours in the morning in full pads, and then will have a lite practice in the afternoon.