CLEMSON, S.C. — Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney is feeling confident as the Tigers head into the upcoming football season, bolstered by a roster rich with returning talent and promising newcomers.
"We got guys that are developing, we got a lot of guys back on this team," Swinney said in an interview with 247 sports. "We had two guys [leave] offensively: we lost a center and we lost (running back Will) Shipley. So we got a lot of guys back."
The offensive line looks particularly strong, with eight players who have started games returning to the fold. "We've got a great tight end room. We finally feel like we're where we need to be at receiver, especially getting the guys back from last year," Swinney added. "We love (running back Phil) Mafah, we love the young talent behind him. We love our quarterback room. Cade Klubnik is a one-year starter, and he's developing and getting better. I love how he finished the season."
On the defensive side, the Tigers were ranked eighth in the country last year, allowing just 287.8 yards per game. Swinney is optimistic about the returning players and the new recruits bolstering the team’s performance. "Defensively, [we] were eighth in the country last year (287.8 yards per game), and we got a lot of guys back. We've got good leadership and athleticism. We signed a kicker."
The special teams unit remains intact, with the punter and both snappers returning. "The starters coming back on this team, as we looked at our roster, we really like who we have, and then we were able to go recruit another good class and add some more depth, plus some guys that are back as depth guys from last year's team as well," Swinney said.
As the season approaches, Clemson fans can share in Swinney's optimism, looking forward to a team that blends experienced veterans with talented newcomers, ready to compete at the highest level.
