There was a time when guys like James Skalski, Shaq Smith, Chad Smith and J.D. and Judah Davis were just happy to be part of the Clemson team and be on the bus. These days, with spring practice halfway through, they are trying to insert themselves more than just as a contributor.

Dabo Swinney says their demeanor has changed this spring. These days, they are competing not to just be on the bus, but for more playing time so they might have a bigger role on the team than they had last year.

“They are kind of coming out of their shell,” the Clemson head coach said. “You can see the leadership of J.D., a guy that has been around, Judah, the same thing. Dorian O’Daniel, who this time last year was trying to earn a spot and kind of prove that he could go do it. He is in a different spot right now.”

Seeing the change in all of their demeanors is what the coaching staff wanted to see this spring because as Swinney said they need every one of those guys to step up this year as well as others.

“Van Smith, last year he was the pup,” Swinney said. “Is he going to go do it? He played a lot of ball and now he is kind of having to lead back there. Trayvon Mullen is another one. He was trying to figure this thing out, and now he is inserting himself as one of the guys.”

Swinney says there are a lot of guys he is excited about because if you look at the roster, the Tigers are a junior and sophomore team.

“That’s where our scholarships are,” he said. “A lot of those guys have played and some of them will play bigger roles than they have before and it has been good to see that. Albert Huggins is another one. He is another guy that has been just kind of happy to be here. He has all the talent in the world, but he is inserting himself much more consistently than he has in the past and that is exciting to see.”

Clemson will continue spring practice on Monday as they return from spring break.

–-Photo Credit: Rob Schumacher/The Arizona Republic via USA TODAY Sports

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