Clemson’s First Day of Spring Practice Observations: Freshmen
By: Cameron Burnett February 28, 2024

CLEMSON – Clemson football began its spring practice Wednesday and the 15 mid-year enrollees are getting their first experience.

During the open period of practice, we got a good look at all the newcomers and here’s the freshmen observations from Day One of Tigers’ spring ball.

-Offensive lineman Elyjah Thurmon was described as a “wild card” for the center spot by head coach Dabo Swinney. He worked with the third-team offense at right guard, but he’ll be all around the unit as Matt Luke sees fit.

-Wide receiver Bryant Wesco has high expectations as a five-star prospect, and he’s a strong representation of the length this class brings in. He was working with the third-team offense on the field side.

-Linebacker Sammy Brown was working with the second-team during drills. That’s a strong sign for the freshman and he’s taking those reps at the MIKE linebacker spot as noted by Swinney before practice. The first look matches the billing of the No. 1 linebacker in the country, and it won’t be a surprise if he’s on the field often this fall.

-Mickey Conn is going to have a fun time with safeties Ricardo Jones and Noah Dixon. Jones has so much length and looked very smooth in drills, taking good advantage of his long arms with a few catches. Seeing Dixon in person, he’s filled out even though he’s 190 pounds and that will show up on the field. That’s part of why he ran with the second-team safeties during drills.

-Unfortunately, injuries will delay the development of many of the freshmen. Offensive linemen Ronan O’Connell and Watson Young were both in yellow. On the defensive end, cornerback Corian Gipson is still working back.

-It’s hard to miss defensive end Adam Kissayi. He’s every bit of 6-foot-8 and looks good moving with that size. He’s going to fill out over his Clemson career, and his development will be one to watch closely given that unteachable size.

-On that same note, defensive tackle Champ Thompson is game-ready at 6-foot-3, 280 pounds and his strength during drills matched the veterans. Swinney has spoke highly of him and the first look in practice matches it.