CLEMSON — Dabo Swinney’s message to his Clemson players before shutting things down this spring was to become a team and to become leaders.

“You can win some games, but you can’t win at the highest level without being an elite team,” Swinney said following Clemson’s Spring Game last Saturday. “When I talk about team, I am talking about selflessness, I am talking about servant leadership, I am talking about caring about each other, knowing each other, that type of stuff. You need to be together. That is a big part about what this summer is about.”

This is a big summer for the Tigers, who hope to get back into the College Football Playoff mix this fall. The CFP expands to 12 teams this coming season before expanding to 14 in 2026.

Clemson missed the four-team playoff the last three seasons, after making it six consecutive seasons from 2015-2020. Of course, who it plays in the season opener makes this summer important, as well.

The Tigers open the 2024 season against Georgia at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on Aug. 31. Many expect the Bulldogs to be the No. 1 ranked team by the time the season begins.

Georgia has defeated Clemson seven of the last eight times they have faced each other, dating back 1991. The only time the Tigers beat the Bulldogs in the previous 32 years was the 2013 season opener.

“It is really being together as a team. That is how you win. That’s how we win at Clemson,” Swinney said. “You have to get stronger together and the leadership and chemistry that comes with that. It is not just seniors. You can be a freshman.”

Swinney pointed to wide receiver Tyler Brown as an example. He came in last year and took advantage of his opportunity when Antonio Brown went down with an injury.

Brown led the Tigers in catches (52) and yards (531) last year. He was second in touchdown receptions (4).

“Tyler Brown was a leader the day he got here. He was not sitting around waiting on someone to lead him,” Swinney said. “He just put the work in. He showed up every day. Leadership does not know an age.”

Brown is a perfect example of why developing leadership across the board, in all position groups, throughout the team, is a big part of every summer.

“I am excited about that process. That is part of our job is to develop that and create opportunities for them to lead,” Swinney said. “Certainly, the summer is a big time to do that.”

A limited number of signed footballs from Clemson’s 2022 class are still available.  Get yours while supplies last!  Visit Clemson Variety & Frame or purchase online!