FERNANDINA BEACH, Fla. – The Clemson Tigers were down at Pirate Field preparing for their TaxSlayer Gator Bowl matchup, and the 2024 early arrivals were taking part in Wednesday’s practice.

For reminders, the group of signees seen in attendance is linebacker Sammy Brown, running back David Eziomume, cornerback Tavoy Feagin, cornerback Corian Gipson, linebacker Drew Woodaz, kicker Nolan Hauser, safety Ricardo Jones, defensive tackle Champ Thompson, safety Joe Wilkinson and wide receiver Chase Byrd. Here’s the observations from the young Tigers’ first rodeos with Clemson.

-Eziomume spent a lot of time working with the running backs during drills before stepping in as a sub for punt returns. On his rep, he muffed the punt out of bounds and linebacker Jamal Anderson immediately told him “you’re too small for that (crap),” so it’s no love lost for the youngsters. Still, his speed is evident and it’ll be something to fear for opponents if he becomes a returner.

-Thompson spent a lot of time working with the pair of Chris Rumph and Nick Eason during drills. This early work is crucial for the freshman, and he has two key voices to learn from as well as the veterans like Tyler Davis who are going through their final practice at Clemson. Thompson’s size is also evident, and he won’t need any offseason peanut butter to be ready for this level.

-Hauser didn’t take any place-kicks during the open period of practice, but he showed off the national career field goals record-holding right leg for some pooch kicks and kickoffs. He’s a key part of the Tigers’ special teams future.

-This was the first look we got at Wilkinson, and he’s being listed as a safety as he arrives at Clemson and that’s where he worked during drills. He was a linebacker in high school, but his 6-foot-1, 185-pound frame puts him under Mickey Conn’s wing for the Tigers.