Clemson Football Counting on Young Players

Clemson football is coming to the end of its spring practice schedule. Following their second scrimmage of the spring, the Tigers have now broken for a short Easter break. Following that, the team will wrap up spring practice next week, culminating with the spring game on April 15th at Memorial Stadium. Head coach Dabo Swinney was upbeat when asked about where his team was, pointing towards the growing leadership among the team's younger players.

“We looked like a team that’s improved today," said Swinney. "Starting to see a little bit of leadership emerge from some young guys. That’s kind of encouraging. When we put it all together, I think this has a chance to be a really good team. Once again, a chance to compete at the highest level.”

Clemson is a team that will be relying on youth at some key positions. Obviously, you start at quarterback with sophomore Cade Klubnik, but the Tigers have plenty of other spots that will be young. The defensive line, along with linebacker and wide receiver spots, will all see a large portion of the snaps eaten up by underclassmen. When asked who among his younger groups has stood out, Swinney pointed to wide receiver Antonio Williams first.

"A bunch of guys. I mean, it’s across the board. Antonio Williams for example. I really think he’s starting to respond. Last year he was a freshman, just coming in here… I think he’s a guy that’s showing up. Cade Klubnik has been awesome. He’s just a young guy, first-year true starter. I love what I’m seeing out of him. His command, his complete buy-in, his energy every day, his self-awareness, and his accountability, it’s awesome to see. A guy like Wade Woodaz, just seeing - this is a young player too - just seeing the leadership qualities in that guy."