A family member of one of Clemson’s most productive players on the offensive side of the ball is letting his feelings be known.

During his weekly press conference on Tuesday, Dabo Swinney went into detail regarding Gideon Davidson’s lack of carries in the second half of the Tigers’ 20-16 loss to Virginia Tech. The sophomore back was averaging 4.5 yards per carry in the contest, but after breaking off a 26-yard run early in the third quarter, Davidson had just two carries the rest of the way.

“He really hurt us,” the head coach said. “We had a third-and-one. He actually got it, but it should have been about a 20-yard gain. He beats the safety… might score. He’s kind of feast or famine, and that’s where he’s got to grow up, because it really hurts.

“He’s just not doing what he’s coached to do. He’s not on his tracks, and we run the inside zone, and he’s to the left, and he’s cutting back to the right into unblocked guys.

“That is why we sat him some in the second half. C.J. (Spiller) was really frustrated.”

The remarks came after Swinney had also called out Davidson during his weekly radio show on Monday night.

Davidson’s adopted father, Brian Davidson, has since taken to social media in defense of his son, sharing this quote from an assistant coach on North Carolina’s baseball staff, before agreeing with the sentiment at the end.

“Calling out players in a press conference?? Gideon Davidson is one of your guys. One of the guys who has always stayed loyal from the get-go. But you’re gonna call the kid out in a presser??? Haven’t seen that much. Have seen coaches take up for players and defend them to a fault. But rarely have I seen college coaches call out players. Especially players with the character of Gideon Davidson.” – Coach Scott Jackson, UNC BASEBALL

“Could not agree more Coach,” Davidson also posted to X. “Appreciate the support of Gid. Go Tar Heels! #wateroffaducksback“

Davidson has rushed for a team-high 509 yards and is averaging more than five yards per carry this season. He has accounted for five of the Tigers’ 10 rushing touchdowns this season.