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

Media members were allowed to watch the first fourth and a half periods of practice, as well as the initial stretching and warmup periods. Here is what we observed from the returning players on the 2026 roster on both the offensive and defensive sides of the ball, as well as some general information.

Warmup/General Observations

– The biggest addition Monday from the other days of practice so far was that NFL scouts were present at Clemson’s practice. They were allowed to stay after the media members had already returned to the Smart Family Media Center. One scout confirmed to TCI that this was the first available day that Clemson allowed scouts to come.

– The teams represented that we saw were the Buffalo Bills, Baltimore Ravens, New York Giants, Washington Commanders, New England Patriots, Minnesota Vikings and the Chicago Bears, among potential others that may not have been repping team gear. We noticed that the Bills scouts in particular spent much of the first few minutes watching the linebackers, while others focused on the defensive backs. Just a few days ago, the Athletic listed cornerback Ashton Hampton as a Top-3 NFL prospect at his position, while linebacker Sammy Brown was listed by CBS as the first-overall linebacker prospect last week.

– For the first time, special teams players were broken up by blue and light green jerseys, not to be confused with the injured players in dark green or yellow. They used these jerseys in the first 15-ish minutes of practice, working primarily on kickoff returns.

– Former Clemson wide receiver Martavis Bryant was not out there on Monday as a coach like he was on Friday, though Hunter Helms and Ryan Linthicum, both former players, were encouraging players in the warmups.

– Brown led the team in “Tiger” jumping jacks to conclude the warmup period today, quarterback Christopher Vizzina was leading them at least one day last week.

Offensive Observations

– Wide receiver Bryant Wesco was working kickoff returns, though in what we saw, he did not look completely comfortable. This drill, which featured light blue and green teams going against each other, showcased the most contact we have seen in a drill so far. 

– Wide receiver Juju Preston, however, also was receiving kickoffs, and was getting significant amounts of praise. He broke free on one, heading up the middle of the field while his teammates and coaches cheered. Preston was known for his speed in high school and had a nice showing in the spring game.

– Running backs Chris Johnson, who just came in from SMU, as well as Jay Haynes, newly recovered from an ACL surgery, also got some reps in this first couple of periods at kickoff return. Wide receivers Tristan Smith, Connor Salmin and Darien Mayo were practicing with special teams and getting coached up pretty hard by special teams analyst Jody Evans.

– The Tigers’ wide receivers were doing a drill where new assistant and former player Jacoby Ford would hit them with an oversized, heavy ball that resembled a heavy beach ball, to work on going against pressure. Ford was bringing great energy in that, as well as in the warmup period.

– The running backs and quarterbacks were working together at the end, and it appeared that sophomore Gideon Davidson was leading the running backs, while Vizzina was getting the first reps at QB. After Davidson came Johnson Jr., and then David Eziomume.

— Offensive lineman Ronan O’Connell was running with the ones today as a right guard, after Tucker Kattus held that role last week. The Tigers have several options for that position ahead of their season opener. Easton Ware was lined up at right tackle with the first team.

Defensive Observations

– Defensive tackle Vic Burley, who is a rising senior, was in a yellow, injured jersey for the first time that we have seen. Kubah-Taylor, who was in yellow the other day, was downgraded to a dark green limited jersey. He made the switch during practice on Friday, according to a Clemson football social media post.

– Corian Gipson, a defensive back who saw extensive playing time down the stretch of the season, was working with a group of other DBs over on the side, punching up against purple practice dummies. He was clearly the leader of the bunch and received praise from his coaches. He is a candidate to play defensive coordinator Tom Allen’s “Tiger” nickel position this year.

– The cornerbacks were going against each other in close-up 1-on-1 drills. Junior cornerback Ashton Hampton and Elliot Washington II were noticeably quick at breaking through and locking up others in a limited sample size. The pair are expected to be leaders for the Tigers this year.

– Ahead of the fourth period, the linebackers were working on catching passes, simulating interceptions, with position coach Ben Boulware. The former Clemson linebacker was throwing them balls to go up and grab. Allen has made it clear that turnovers will be a big priority this year.