CLEMSON – The Clemson football team held its second day of fall camp Thursday afternoon on the practice fields behind the Allen Reeves Complex.

Media members were allowed to watch the first 4.5 periods of practice, as well as the preceding stretching periods. Here is what we observed from the returning players on the 2026 roster on both sides of the ball, as well as some general information.

Warmup/ General Observations

• Former Clemson wide receiver Martavis Bryant, who recorded 61 receptions for 13 touchdowns from 2011-13, was seen walking around in Clemson gear, coaching up players. The four-year NFL veteran is not listed as a staff member on the team’s website, but seemed very comfortable with support staff and other coaches. Bryant was a member of offensive coordinator Chad Morris’ first team with the Tigers and was awarded All-ACC honors as a junior.

• Former backup quarterback Hunter Helms was also out there after getting his Master’s degree earlier on Friday. Helms was listed as a player-coach last season but is not on the official staff directory as of now. The Columbia, S.C., native transferred to New Hampshire for a season, then returned to Clemson last year for his final year of eligibility.

• Danny Pearman, Director of Football Scouting, former tight ends coach and longtime assistant in the program, was working with some special teams members. Pearman transitioned into scouting ahead of the 2021 season. In the last few years, we have not seen him on the field coaching.

Offensive Observations

• Kevin Kelly, Clemson’s Director of Player Evaluation and Acquisition, started out the practice watching Clemson’s offensive linemen, who were split up into two groups for drills. Upperclassmen worked together, with some underclassmen sprinkled in, while most of the freshmen worked with Carson Cramer, assistant offensive line coach.

• In the upperclassmen bunch, or what could be perceived as the group at the top of the current depth chart, rising sophomore Brayden Jacobs was working at left tackle, rising junior Elyjah Thurmon was at left guard and, as expected, Harris Sewell was at center. Rising sophomore Tucker Kattus, who redshirted last year, was repping at right guard while Colin Sadler manned right tackle. Yesterday, Swinney commented on Sadler’s versatility, saying he could play tackle or guard.

• Junior Mason Wade is working at right guard, while sophomore Gavin Blanchard has been getting reps at both left guard and center. One source said that Wade is currently in the best shape of his life and gives all the credit to Dennis Love, the first-year Strength and Conditioning Director.

• We got our eyes on the tight ends today, and Christian Bentancur immediately caught our eye. The rising junior looks significantly bigger, to the point where we did not recognize him on the spot. Offensive coordinator Chad Morris harped on the importance of the tight ends in the spring, so the veteran taking a jump makes sense. Olsen Patt-Henry was also out there catching passes after missing the entire spring with an injury.

• Rising senior quarterback Christopher Vizzina was out leading offensive players again, competing against true freshman Tait Reynolds for the starting role. In the window that we were allowed, Vizzina looked mostly accurate, switching up between short and long passes in each throw.

• Offensive coordinator Chad Morris was getting after the wide receivers and tight ends, demanding precision on each route, which was different in every rep. His energy and volume were heard across the entire sideline as he made sure receivers knew how to assist their quarterbacks. He was working closely with wide receivers coach Tyler Grisham.

Defensive Observations

• Jahiem Lawson, who Swinney praised yesterday for his development over the last four years, looks the part of a leader and a potential draft prospect, something Swinney alluded to on Thursday. Along with the added mass, he looked quick in agility drills, leading other defensive ends along with senior Will Heldt.

• Chris Denson, who recently moved to an all-purpose role after being recruited as a quarterback, was still in a yellow jersey today, signifying an injury. Joining him today in the bright jersey was C.J. Kubah-Taylor, a linebacker who was primed to take a step up this fall, according to head coach Dabo Swinney. Both players were over on the side of the field working on agility drills with Director of Strength and Conditioning Dennis Love during practice, but completed warmups with the entire team.

The Tigers will continue fall camp at the Allen N. Reeves Football Complex on Saturday.