Seven weeks ago, Clemson was playing in the 2015 National Championship Game against Alabama. On Monday they embarked on a new journey to greatness. The Tigers began what head coach Dabo Swinney calls “their get ready phase” of the 2016 season as the opened spring practice.

Swinney admitted this year’s journey is different than in years past because this time they have seen the top of the mountain. They know they can reach the summit. Now they have to scale it.

“It is different. It is one thing to think that you are good enough. I think it is another thing to know that you know that you know,” Swinney said prior to the Tigers heading out onto the practice fields. “It is one thing to dream about something, it is another thing to experience it.

“I think we can all speak to that in our personal lives. There are certain things you dream about or hope to do or whatever, and you work towards those things. That’s huge, but there is really nothing like the experience of it, and the knowledge that comes with that.”

Swinney says he has seen great focus and hunger from his players already in the seven weeks since they lost to Alabama in the national championship game. He said mat drills were awesome and that on Senior Day, when the seniors on the team relay their goals and establish their leadership, the Clemson coach said it was unlike any other.

“Our guys were dialed in. Senior Day was probably the best Senior Day I have been around as far as how those guys ran the drills that day. They have a little pep in their step,” Swinney said. “I think the biggest thing is that they all understand just how small that margin for error is.

“We finished No. 2. We have been kind of climbing and we are trying to get to No. 1 and that’s what everybody’s objective is. There is no satisfaction on this football team. That is what I like.”

The Clemson coach continued by saying no one on the team, or the coaching staff is satisfied about being last year’s national runner-up. And no one is harping on last season, either.

“Last year is over and this is a new year. Everybody knows what it takes and the type of commitment it takes. How we have to work and how we have to work on the things we have to improve on,” Swinney said. “Now it is about putting the work in. A different part of the journey starts today because we get to get back on the practice field.”

If you haven’t already order your copy today of Guts & Glory – Tales of Clemson’s Historic 2015 Football Season to help you celebrate and remember this special season.