Although college players were afforded an additional year of eligibility due to the COVID-19 year of 2020, Dabo Swinney won’t be sad to see the “COVID years” eventually come to an end.

“I’m not sad to see it end, that’s for sure. I think from a roster management standpoint, I’m happy,” Clemson’s head coach said following Wednesday’s practice. “I don’t even know when (it’s going to end). We’ve got like, what, another couple years before that ends.”

Swinney, though, is happy about what the extra COVID year has done for this sixth-year defensive lineman who will play in his 60th career game on Saturday at Miami.

Swinney said it’s made a world of difference for defensive end Justin Mascoll, who has started all six of the Tigers’ games this season and been highly productive while tallying 19 total tackles (two for loss), a pass breakup, three quarterback pressures and a forced fumble.

“It’s been great for Mascoll, I’ll tell ya that, man. It’s made all the difference in the world for that young man,” Swinney said. “He has just blossomed, and it’s a reminder what a developmental game this is. It’s a game of maturation, and he’s just really matured as a young man. He’s developed as a player. He can really run. His body is in a great spot. He’s long and he’s playing very physical, and he’s just confident. I’m really proud of him.”

A former four-star and top-150 national prospect from the Peach State who enrolled at Clemson in January 2018, Mascoll entered this season with 86 tackles (9.0 for loss), 2.0 sacks, four pass breakups and a fumble recovery over 53 games (13 starts).

Swinney believes the 6-foot-4, 260-pounder is “playing himself into an NFL prospect” with his performance on the field thus far in 2023.

“Last year, he’s probably a free agent for sure, and this year, he’s given himself better opportunity if he’ll continue to play the way he’s playing,” Swinney said. “He’s certainly getting on everybody’s radar because he’s taken advantage of the opportunity that he’s had.”

We have just added a new special to our store. Get the Two Pack of signed footballs from Clemson’s 2022 and 2023 classes and save $75. Thanks for your support of Clemson football.