CLEMSON — At least one player on the Clemson football team believes something special is brewing for the Tigers.

Transfer wide receiver Tristan Smith has watched as strong bonds are being developed, both on and off the field. That is, outside some of the usual trash-talking that typically goes on out on the practice field, of course.

That doesn’t mean there isn’t the occasional clash, including a couple between Smith and fellow wideout T.J. Moore, but below the surface, this has become a tight-knit group.

“We have a special team,” Smith said. “I feel like that helps me. My teammates, we talk to each other every day. There will be sometimes where we bump heads. Like me and TJ, we’ve bumped heads a couple of times. The thing about that is, I know he wants the best for me, and I want the best for him. Nothing negative, we always take it with a grain of salt.”

Having spent the first three years of his collegiate career playing for different programs, Smith has a unique perspective when it comes to locker room dynamics. After going through spring practice and now a little over a week of fall camp, Smith has already seen what he believes it takes to not only win, but win at a high level. And it runs deeper than talent.

“This is the best team I have ever been a part of. Hands down,” Smith added. “The way we practice, the way we do everything. It is business. The way we do stuff off the field. Everybody is so connected with one another. That is what makes this team connected. Everything outside of the football part.”

Standing 6-foot-5, Smith’s addition looks to be a big one for the Tigers’ offense. He gives quarterback Cade Klubnik one more weapon in what was an already fairly loaded wide receiver room. A big, long, athletic weapon, capable of going up over the top of defenders.

Smith quickly showed the type of impact he can provide with a stellar performance in the spring game, and he has now carried the momentum of that into camp, reeling in a touchdown grab in the first scrimmage on Saturday.

Being a senior, Smith is one of many veterans on the offensive side of the ball. With this quite possibly being his final season, he wants to make the most of it, and he is doing his part to help ensure the Tigers have the right mindset each and every day.

“It’s going to be special. It’s going to be special,” Smith said. “But we’re just taking it one day at a time. Focus on the now, and we will get the end results how we want it.”

Photo courtesy of Dawson Powers