Dabo Swinney has a theory on why certain players are shining this spring.

“It’s addition by subtraction,” the Clemson coach said.

In other words, guys like quarterback Kelly Bryant, tight end Milan Richard and running backs C.J. Fuller and Adam Choice are showing out more in spring practice because they are now “the man” if you will at their respected positions. They have all waited their turn behind some of the best players Clemson has had and now it is their turn to show what they can do.

“I think that is the case a lot of times by some of these guys,” Swinney said. “It is just like Kelly Bryant. He does not even look like the same guy right now, but he is not standing out there next to Deshaun (Watson). So he is kind of taking it and running with it, which is good to see.

“The same thing with those running backs, Wayne Gallman is not there anymore. But at tight end Jordan Leggett is not out there so it is an eager group. These guys have been grinding. That is a bunch of ball. That is a lot of production that has to be accounted for.”

Swinney says this is the time of year when he sees the transformation from being a young inexperienced play to a mature and more experienced guy who embraces the role and runs with it.

“Maturity and experience that is the fun part for me is watching these guys grow up from where they were when they got here and watching them transform in every aspect,” he said. “Milan is one of those kids that he did not know what he did not know coming in here, but he has done a really nice job. He has worked extremely hard. He has had a very consistent spring, as has Garrett (Williams) and Cannon (Smith).

“I think we have three guys right there that are really good leaders and very committed guys. Greenlee is showing good signs too and the biggest thing with him is just the consistency day in and day out. Shadell Bell is a guy that no one ever talks about, but he is coming. He is a work in progress, but if he hangs in there with it, old Shadell Bell is going to have a nice little career here.”

Clemson will resume spring practices on Monday. The annual spring game will be April 8 in Death Valley.

We are taking orders for our limited edition magazine Mission Accomplished. Remember Clemson’s championship season with this great magazine from the staff that covers Clemson football 365 days a year. Order your’s today to make sure you get a copy!