Swinney updates kicking battles

CLEMSON— Gone is placekicker Greg Huegel, who exited Clemson ranked first in school history in career extra points (217) and second in career scoring (379 points), as well as Alex Spence, who served as the primary kicker in 2017 after losing Huegel to injury. Among those hoping to secure the role moving forward are sophomore B.T. Potter (Rock Hill, S.C.) and senior Steven Sawicki (Fayetteville, N.C.). hit his lone field goal attempt in 2018, a 24-yarder at Florida State.

Potter is the team’s incumbent kickoff specialist after making an immediate impact in that role in 2018. His 79 touchbacks on 114 kickoffs a season ago ranked third in the country and more than doubled the single-season touchback output by any other kickoff specialist in the Swinney era.

"Potter a good day a good day. Had a good day yesterday too. He's had a couple of good ones," Swinney said. "He had a 51-yarder Tuesday, and then yesterday had a solid day and had a good day today. Made his kicks and his kickoffs, man, I think it hit the hill. I mean, he's just gotten strong. He's really gotten in the weight room and he kind of likes how his muscles look. So, he's really worked hard at it and it just develops more confidence and it translates to the field. So, I was pleased with him today and Spiers too."

Clemson has multiple options at punter, including returning starter Will Spiers (Cameron, S.C.), a junior who Swinney has credited for capitalizing on momentum created by his strong finish to the 2018 season.

Spiers posted his second-highest single-game punting average of the 2018 season in the national championship against Alabama, including an early 51-yarder that flipped field position and set up Terrell’s pick-six on the ensuing Alabama drive. Sawicki also offers punting experience, having punted 122 times at North Carolina A&T prior to transferring to Clemson. True freshman Aidan Swanson (Tampa, Fla.) now joins the group after finishing his prep career at IMG Academy.

"Spiers had a really good day," Swinney continued. "Aiden has made a little progress the last couple of days, just trying to become more consistent. But was really pleased with Will—had a couple of really nice kicks."

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