Tag: Clemson Tigers

Murphy amazed at talent on Clemson defense

Clemson returns a downright nasty defensive front for the 2021 season with a plethora of starting experience at all four positions on the line. That nastiness showed in the Tigers’ first scrimmage as the defense held an upper hand on Saturday at the …

Clemson returns a downright nasty defensive front for the 2021 season with a plethora of starting experience at all four positions on the line.

That nastiness showed in the Tigers’ first scrimmage as the defense held an upper hand on Saturday at the Poe Indoor Practice Facility.

Defensive end Myles Murphy explained how special it is to look around and see so much experience and veteran presence in one position group.

“Oh yeah I do that all the time honestly with five returning starters in the defensive line group,” Murphy said. “It was really fun today because everyone stood out today me, Xavier Thomas, Justin Mascoll and Justin Foster.”

Murphy received Freshman All-American honors from The Athletic, ESPN, Rivals and the Football Writers Association of America for his performance on the field last season. He recorded 51 tackles, four sacks, three forced fumbles and a pass breakup in 12 games and six starts as he led the Tigers in tackles for loss with 12.

The sophomore also credited the defensive tackle group spearheaded by Tyler Davis for a breakthrough performance on Saturday.

“Everyone stood out and did what they needed to and got the job done,” Murphy said. “We were in the backfield on a whole bunch of different plays. And as far as the defensive tackle room Bryan Bresee, Darnell Jeffries, Ruke Orhorhoro, Tré Williams, everybody stood out today.”

According to Murphy the wealth of talent and experience across the Clemson defense provides a safety net and allows him to play free and stick to his assignments.

He pointed out the importance of James Skalski’s and Nolan Turner’s decisions to take advantage of a sixth year of eligibility because of the knowledge they bring to the table in game action.

“I feel like there is a huge safety net having James Skalski and Nolan Turner even with all the veteran defensive linemen I’m playing beside,” Murphy said. “It’s such a huge safety net I have in my head because they know the tendencies of different teams, how the offense wants to play, what they want to do whether it’s a screen pass or down run or whatever.”

“Skalski and those guys have it down pact and they did last year so another year just gives us another advantage,” he said.

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ESPN analysts discuss significance of Clemson-UGA game

On ESPN’s College Football Live: Schedule Breakdown Special, ESPN college football analysts David Pollack and Joey Galloway weighed in on the significance of the marquee Week 1 showdown featuring Clemson and Georgia in Charlotte on Sept. 4. The …

On ESPN’s College Football Live: Schedule Breakdown Special, ESPN college football analysts David Pollack and Joey Galloway weighed in on the significance of the marquee Week 1 showdown featuring Clemson and Georgia in Charlotte on Sept. 4.

The Tigers are ranked No. 2 in the Coaches Poll that was released earlier this week, while the Bulldogs check in at No. 5. Clemson is seeking its seventh straight College Football Playoff appearance, while UGA hopes to make the playoff for the first time since 2017.

Citing the respective schedules for Clemson and UGA, Pollack believes the season opener between the Tigers and Bulldogs is a bit more important for the latter.

“If you look at it from Georgia’s perspective, I think it’s the season,” Pollack said. “Your mulligan’s gone if you lose Week 1 to Clemson. You know your schedule’s going to be extremely tough, you know you’re rated really highly. But JT Daniels and this offense are going to come out blazing Week 1 because if you lose this game, you’re telling me you’re going to run the rest of the schedule, beat Alabama in the SEC Championship game or whoever you face? It’s going to be a very tough task.

“Clemson? I don’t see a loss on their schedule regardless. If you can find me one, find me one. But I think for Georgia, it’s a little bit more significant.”

Galloway agreed, adding that if the Tigers can get past the Dawgs, they can run the table the rest of the way with quarterback DJ Uiagalelei at the helm, though he wants to see more athleticism from Clemson defensively.

“When you look at Clemson’s situation, they need to get more athletic on the defensive side of the football,” he said. “Trevor Lawrence is gone, obviously, but DJ steps into the position. We’ve seen him play before, we know he’s talented. So, Clemson is in a position that if they win this game, you’re right – they don’t have another loss on that schedule unless they just slip up somewhere along the way.

“Georgia needs to get off to a good start. Everyone believes Georgia’s a very talented football team all the way around with JT Daniels. Getting off to a great start, going 1-0 against a Clemson team could mean a lot to their season getting going in the right direction.”

Galloway was asked whether a loss would be more detrimental to Clemson or UGA.

“A loss would probably hurt Clemson more because then they won’t have a signature win to get later on if they need one,” he said. “Now, in the past seasons they haven’t really needed one. The ACC hasn’t been very good. They just haven’t needed that signature win. But if things fall into place and a lot of teams go undefeated … Say the Pac-12 produces an undefeated conference champ, the Big 12 maybe does the same, the Big Ten does the same, then for Clemson, you need a signature win. If they beat Georgia, they have one.”

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Swinney on hand for celebration of Bobby Bowden’s life

It was a celebration of a life well lived. That is pretty much the way Dabo Swinney described Saturday’s public funeral service for longtime Florida State head coach Bobby Bowden. Swinney flew down to Tallahassee, Florida to give his condolences to …

It was a celebration of a life well lived.

That is pretty much the way Dabo Swinney described Saturday’s public funeral service for longtime Florida State head coach Bobby Bowden. Swinney flew down to Tallahassee, Florida to give his condolences to Bowden’s Family at the Tucker Civic Center on the campus of Florida State University.

“It was a great day,” Clemson’s head coach said. “What a life well lived. It was great to be able to see all the Bowdens and be able to see so many of those great players that played for Coach Bowden and so many of the great coaches who worked for him.”

Swinney knew Bobby Bowden well. Bowden’s son, Tommy, was Swinney’s position coach in his first year at Alabama and later coached under him at Clemson from 2003-’08 as his wide receivers coach.

The last two years, Terry worked as a voluntary analyst on Swinney’s staff before taking the head coaching job at Louisiana-Monroe University this past January.

Of course, Swinney also had a relationship with Bobby, too. Though he did not play or coach under the Hall of Fame coach, Swinney has said many times Bobby Bowden was an indirect influence on his coaching career and was a Godly man that he admired so greatly.

“It truly was a celebration. They talked about the gospel and that is just the way Coach Bowden would have wanted it,” Swinney said. “It was a special day. A moving day, inspirational and a blessing to have an opportunity to be a part of it.

“Again, to hear so many wonderful messages from his family and his former players and his coaches, as well. It was just a beautiful day.”

After the funeral service, Swinney flew back to Clemson Saturday afternoon, coaching his team in a two-hour scrimmage inside the Poe Indoor Practice Facility.

The Tigers will have picture day on Sunday and will resume camp on Monday.

–Above photo: Tommy Bowden, Bobby Bowden’s son, speaks during a public funeral service held for former Florida State head coach Bobby Bowden at Donald L. Tucker Civic Center on Saturday (Photo courtesy of USA Today)

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Thomas’ back and better than ever

Following a slew of injuries and bouts with both Covid-19 and strep throat last season, Xavier Thomas is ready to finish off what he started. While the defensive end struggled to make much of an impact in his junior campaign, fellow teammate Tyler …

Following a slew of injuries and bouts with both Covid-19 and strep throat last season, Xavier Thomas is ready to finish off what he started. While the defensive end struggled to make much of an impact in his junior campaign, fellow teammate Tyler Davis is confident that Thomas is back and better than ever.

“Yeah, he’s shown a lot,” Davis said following their first scrimmage. “I think he’s probably improved, so I’d say he’s back.”

For Thomas, his attention to the little things have made the biggest impact on his game, something fellow defensive end Myles Murphy says has made all the difference.

“XT from the time that I first got here to where he is now, he’s much more disciplined,” Murphy said. “Back to where he was when he was overweight, you know, right off of Covid, very overweight and out of shape. He just got disciplined and started eating right, after every workout and every practice he was in the weight room on the treadmill and doing what he needs to do to get a good sweat in and eating right.”

With a newfound sense of confidence and discipline for the game, the South Carolina-native and former freshman first-team All-American is shaping up to have what could be his best and most explosive season yet for the Tigers.

“Nutrition for him is top tier, that was the biggest thing. He can do whatever in the weight room, but if you’re nutrition isn’t right then you’re not going to get to where you want to be, in the time that you want to get there,” Murphy said. “With him doing that, his discipline was there and once he got into the body that he is in right now, his confidence skyrocketed, and he started to loosen up on the field, which is honestly what I love to see. Even when I was in high school watching XT play and in college, I was like, ‘dang, that’s a really good player right there,’ and knowing that he’s in that body again right now is very exciting.”

What They Are Saying: Lawrence makes NFL debut

Former Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence made his NFL preseason debut on Saturday night during the Jacksonville Jaguars’ preseason opener against the Cleveland Browns at TIAA Bank Field in Jacksonville. Lawrence started the game and played two …

Former Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence made his NFL preseason debut on Saturday night during the Jacksonville Jaguars’ preseason opener against the Cleveland Browns at TIAA Bank Field in Jacksonville.

Lawrence started the game and played two series, completing 6-of-9 passes for 71 yards including a 35-yard strike to Marvin Jones Jr.

There’s a lot of buzz on social media about Lawrence’s preseason debut. Check out what some had to say on Twitter:

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Williams a difference-maker on Clemson D-Line

Tré Williams missed virtually the entire season last year after he played 14 snaps in the first two games of 2020 before a season ending injury sidelined him. This offseason the redshirt freshman bounced back and focused on his rehabilitation …

Tré Williams missed virtually the entire season last year after he played 14 snaps in the first two games of 2020 before a season ending injury sidelined him.

This offseason the redshirt freshman bounced back and focused on his rehabilitation process.

After the first scrimmage at the Poe Indoor Practice Facility his teammates on the defensive line, Tyler Davis and Myles Murphy, reported that his hard work is paying off in fall camp.

Davis credited Williams with the breakout performance in a dominant outing for the veteran Clemson defense.

“Tré Williams is really going to help us a lot and stood out to me,” Davis said.

“He’s getting out going and knows what to do now. He’s really getting after it and I really enjoy coaching him up and playing with him. He’s really going to be a good guy to look out for this year,” he continued.

According to Murphy the defensive tackle spent a lot of time in the opposing backfield during the scrimmage and also recorded a blocked field goal.

“He has always shown flashes and today it was put on display of what he can do,” Murphy said. “He was getting in the backfield a whole bunch, he had a field goal block, he was doing everyting and it was a big effort day for him and that’s why he stood out.”

While Clemson fans missed out on seeing Williams reach his full potential last season due to the injury, the defensive line knew he was a difference maker since he arrived on campus.

And this offseason Williams dedicated himself to staying healthy in order to showcase his talent.

“Since the first day he got here Tre has always shown us what he can be and what he can mean for us as a defensive line group,” Murphy said. “Seeing him grow since high school, keep his head on straight doing what he needs to do off the field with his body, going to the training room, being in the hot tub and cold tub stretching and staying in the playbook.”

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Two freshmen among Elliott’s scrimmage standouts

Saturday provided Clemson an opportunity to further evaluate its roster and depth chart during the team’s intrasquad scrimmage. Clemson offensive coordinator Tony Elliott jokingly said during his zoom call with reporters on Saturday night to take a …

Saturday provided Clemson an opportunity to further evaluate its roster and depth chart during the team’s intrasquad scrimmage.

Clemson offensive coordinator Tony Elliott jokingly said during his zoom call with reporters on Saturday night to take a look at his hairline; that’s what it’s like to go up against a Brent Venables-coached defense.

While the offensive showing wasn’t entirely what Elliott or the Tigers would have hoped for, there were still some players who caught his eye.

When asked what players stood out during Saturday’s scrimmage, Elliott said that freshman receiver Dacari Collins “had a good day” and that he’s been “pleased” with junior wideout Frank Ladson, Jr.’s progress as well.

Elliott also mentioned Jordan McFadden as someone who has “been solid.” The redshirt junior offensive lineman has taken the bull by the horns after making a switch from right to left tackle.

He gave some praise for Jaelyn Lay too.

“Jae Lay made a couple of plays, I’m anxious to see what it looks like from the other aspects of the game, but when he was targeted, he made some plays,” Elliott said.

Additionally, Elliott continued to sing the praises of true freshman quarterback Will Taylor, who has “looked impressive” thus far.

Circling back to Lay, Dabo Swinney has also been very complimentary of the redshirt sophomore tight end. Elliott was again asked about Lay towards the end of his session with reporters.

“Today, he just made some big plays,” Elliott said. “He got isolated one-on-one, a big third-down catch…he had to win to make the play and he was able to do that. So far, I’ve seen some flashes that I know it’s in there and I’m gonna get it out of him.

“He’s willing and he wants to. And a lot of it is too, you gotta be confident in what you’re doing. When you know what you’re doing, you stop thinking and you can play fast and you can play physical. That’s my job as his coach to get him to that point, to where he’s ultimately confident in his ability in the pass game and the run game. I’ve seen flashes and that’s very encouraging, so I’m excited for him.”

Time to get the latest Clemson apparel to show your Tiger pride. Order your officially licensed Clemson gear right here!

CFB analyst takes massive shot at Clemson fans

A college football analyst took a huge shot at Clemson fans this week. OutKick’s Joe Kinsey published his list of the 10 best college football tailgating destination games of 2021 and did not include the marquee neutral site matchup between Clemson …

A college football analyst took a huge shot at Clemson fans this week.

OutKick’s Joe Kinsey published his list of the 10 best college football tailgating destination games of 2021 and did not include the marquee neutral site matchup between Clemson and Georgia in Charlotte.

Kinsey’s reasoning for leaving out that contest? He claims Tiger fans are “boring” and that Bulldog fans will “dominate” Charlotte for the season opener on Sept. 4.

“I know you want to tell me how great Georgia-Clemson in Charlotte will be. I completely disagree,” Kinsey wrote. “Clemson fans are easily the most boring top-10 team fans in the country and it isn’t even close. Have you ever watched Clemson fans during GameDay? I’m not sure some of those people have an excitable bone in their bodies. UGA fans will dominate the Charlotte scene and it won’t even be close. Plus, the game isn’t on a campus. I can’t have one school bringing boring fans to a neutral site location. At least in Chicago, the Wisconsin and Notre Dame fans will go hard.”

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Podcast: Tigers will take the field for their first preseason scrimmage

Clemson wide receiver Justyn Ross returned to practice on Friday for the first time in preseason camp since being cleared to play football this season. Levon Kirkland and myself talk about Ross’ return and what it means for the Tigers, plus we have …

Clemson wide receiver Justyn Ross returned to practice on Friday for the first time in preseason camp since being cleared to play football this season.

Levon Kirkland and myself talk about Ross’ return and what it means for the Tigers, plus we have an interview with the Tigers’ star receiver.

Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney is also on the podcast, while Levon and myself discuss what we want to see come out of Saturday’s scrimmage at Death Valley.

You can listen to today’s podcast here (LINK), or listen to it and download it where you listen to all of your podcast at either Apple Podcasts, Stitcher or Spotify.

Besides usual suspects, D-Line has other players standing out

Clemson’s defensive line is set to possibly rival the 2018 front, which was notably known as the Power Rangers. Though preseason All-American Bryan Bresee and others on the defense feel they should never be compared to those Clemson legends, the …

Clemson’s defensive line is set to possibly rival the 2018 front, which was notably known as the Power Rangers.

Though preseason All-American Bryan Bresee and others on the defense feel they should never be compared to those Clemson legends, the Tigers are still expected to have the best defensive line in college football in 2021.

Everyone knows about Bresee, Tyler Davis, Xavier Thomas, Myles Murphy and K.J. Henry. But what could make this year’s group so good is its depth.

In the first week of camp, Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney, along with defensive coordinator Brent Venables and several defensive players, have talked about how other members of the defensive line are making plays, too.

Defensive ends Justin Foster and Justin Mascoll have stood out to this point, as have defensive tackles Etinosa Reuben and Ruke Orhorhoro.

“We got so many veterans over there, but I would probably just have to say Ruke,” Swinney said. “He has just missed a lot of time, but he is the guy, if I had to pick one guy that I think has a chance to have a great season, I would say Ruke. He is ready. He is ready to be the guy.”

Venables and Bresee both mentioned how much big, stronger and faster Mascoll is and how he is really standing out in camp, while safety Lannden Zanders thinks Reuben has been the most improved player on the defensive front.

“[Kevin] Swint, he would probably be the other most improved, especially because he moved to a new position,” Swinney said.

In the spring, Swint moved from linebacker to defensive end.

“He is a great football player,” Swinney said. “Then you throw in Regan Upshaw, who is just a problem. I know we don’t talk about Regan Upshaw a lot, but that dude, if you line up on him and you are not ready to practice, he is going to kill you.

“This guy is really a good, tough, hard-nosed football player. We just have a very veteran group. That defensive line is special.”

Clemson’s head coach says all of his safeties have improved too, but Orhorhoro has made big strides in camp. Swinney has also liked what he has seen from Foster, who has returned to football after initially retiring following issues with COVID-19 last fall that kept him sideline and wondering if he would ever play football again.

“He looks great. He is doing everything,” Swinney said. “He had just had a little test that first day, so we held him because he literally had something stuck down his throat. But he has done everything and is doing great.

“We will probably keep him on a little bit of pitch count, but it is kind of easy to do that when you have five guys that have started there at that position. Then you have Swint. So, we are in a good spot there. But he does everything and looks great, but we don’t need him to have to play fifty snaps. We don’t need him to have to play two series in a row. We are very fortunate with the type of depth we have.”

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