CLEMSON — Football is back as spring practice is underway at Clemson.
The Tigers got things started on a warmer-than-usual February afternoon, and the mindset of the coaching staff matched the temperature outside.
Garrett Riley was barking orders at his quarterbacks. Matt Luke was coaching his offensive linemen hard. Even newcomer Lonnie Galloway jumped in head first, giving some wide receivers one-on-one attention during drills.
Offensive Observations
– Starting left tackle Tristan Leigh was in yellow and spent the practice off to the side, mostly stretching. No word yet on what is ailing the veteran, as head coach Dabo Swinney did not mention Leigh while addressing injuries during his press conference before the start of practice. Whatever the injury is, Leigh did not look like he would be out long-term, as he was moving around fairly well.
– Dietrick Pennington was in green, as was Collin Sadler. Walker Parks was out with his shoulder in a sling after an offseason procedure.
– Staying with the offensive line, freshman Brayden Jacobs is one of those guys that immediately stands out. His sheer size is eye-popping. Even more impressive is how agile he is for a guy that stands around 6-foot-6 and weighs well over 300 pounds. Jacobs was working at tackle and is talented enough to work his way into the two-deep.
– Freshmen Rowan Byrne and Gavin Blanchard were working at guard while Easton Ware worked out at tackle.
– Watching the running backs, there was one that did not look like the rest. Freshman Gideon Davidson is just different. He does not look like a kid that should still be in his senior year of high school. He moves so effortlessly, smooth as silk. It was his first day, so he was at the back of the rotation, but I doubt he stays there very long.
– The actual rotation at running back was Keith Adams Jr, Jarvis Green, David Eziomume, Peyton Streko and Davidson.
– Eziomume looks like a guy that has been in the program for a year now. He looks more comfortable in everything he does. Big spring for him.
– Big spring for Randall too. We have all seen he is a capable runner. The question for his is how quickly he can pick up all of the other things that go into playing the position.
– Clemson is back to having dudes at receiver. With Antonio Williams, Bryant Wesco and TJ Moore all back, the Tigers’ passing attack should be just fine. Add a healthy Tyler Brown to the equation and that gives Cade Klubnik one more dangerous wideout at his disposal.
– Then there is transfer Tristan Smith. We all know he is 6-foot-5, but he is a LONG 6-foot-5. What a dangerous weapon he can be. He did have two drops, and he was getting coached hard by Galloway, but you can easily tell he wants that kind of coaching and was very receptive to it.
– With Olsen Patt-Henry out, this is a big spring for redshirt sophomore Christian Bentancur, and he does look the part physically.
– Klubnik looked like Klubnik. He is the unquestioned leader on that side of the ball. We didn’t get to see the quarterbacks doing much throwing but the little we did see, backup Chris Vizzina was on point with all if his throws.
– Antonio Williams, Bryant Wesco, Tink Kelley and Tavoy Feagin were all working out at punt returner.
Photo courtesy of Dawson Powers