CLEMSON- Stormy skies cleared the way just in time for the start of fall camp in Clemson on Thursday

The Clemson Insider was on hand for the first seven periods of the opening practice and several of the current freshman class appear more than capable of making an impact in 2024.

• Linebacker Sammy Brown was taking the reps behind Barrett Carter, Wade Woodaz, Kobe McCloud and Jamal Anderson in some of the individual drills, but was working at MIKE with the second group in at least one of the team drills. At 238-pounds, Brown is without question physically ready, and appears to soak up every bit of coaching out on that field. At one point in one of the early drills, new assistant Lorenzo Ward was working with the backers and giving Brown positive feedback. New intern Ben Boulware was also looking on, listening and learning during his first practice as a member of the staff.
• WR TJ Moore certainly looks the part, but after just arriving on campus, will have to work his way up the depth chart. Head coach Dabo Swinney was very hands on correcting the freshman in one of the later drills, which had the offense lining up in three receiver sets.
• Fellow freshman wideout Bryant Wesco is smooth as silk. In individual drills, Wesco was running third on the outside behind Antonio Williams and Adam Randall, but in the group drills he was working with the second group. He displayed soft hands and precise route running.
• CB Corian Gipson looks really good coming off an ACL injury during his senior season of high school, but is still wearing a sleeve on that left leg.
• CB Ashton Hampton, a summer enrollee, is extremely long and athletic. Typical Mike Reed corner, with really fluid hips. He had a really good first day of practice.
• DTs Hevin Brown-Shuler and Champ Thompson both look physically ready. Both are summer enrollees and Nick Eason made Thompson repeat one of the drills after he messed it up on his first attempt. Eason told Shuler he was showing why his nickname was “Heavy Duty” with the way he was finishing one of the drills.
• DE Darien Mayo is another player that looks the part. Chris Rumph really liked what he saw during one of the individual drills.
• OL Elyjah Thurmon was working at guard, as was Watson Young. Mason Wade is extremely agile and moves really well.
• Placekicker Nolan Hauser had an up and down opening practice. He was 2-of-2 from 30 yards, but just 1-of-2 from 37 and 0-for-1 from 40.

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!