CLEMSON — Clemson tight ends coach Kyle Richardson spoke with the media on Tuesday as part of Dabo Swinney’s Annual Media Outing at the Allen Reeves Football Complex.
Here are a few observations from the 30 minutes the media got to speak to with the Clemson coach.
*Richardson said he challenged Jake Briningstool in January. He challenged his junior tight end to take the next step from a nutrition standpoint. He said Briningstool has one of the best work ethics on the team and he has never got a negative report on him in his weight training. However, he felt like his 6-foot-6 tight end needs to match his work ethic on the football field and in the weight room with how he takes care of his body and what he puts in his body. Richardson says Briningstool looks totally different than he did at this point last year.
*Richardson says the goal of the new offense is to put their playmakers in space a little more. He said they can flex Briningstool outside and they will put him in space a little bit more than they did last year. He said all of the tight ends on their team will have to play in the box and be able to split out wide, as well.
*Richardson said freshmen tight ends Olsen Pat-Henry and Markus Dixon look the part. He said they do not look like they are 18-years old and just graduated from high school. The Clemson coach said he has heard great things about them, but right now they are learning how to swim, as they adjust to a college weight program and learning how to be college students.
*Josh Sapp is progressing nicely. Richardson says Sapp was a typical freshman last year. He had to learn how to be a college football player and how to train. This year, Richardson wants Sapp to take the next step, and the biggest part of that is holding himself accountable. He said he challenged Sapp from a nutrition standpoint, weight room standpoint and what he does off the field. Richardson said Sapp had a really good spring and the reports he has received from the summer workouts is that Sapp is having a great summer, too.
*Richardson said the ceiling his high for Briningstool. He thinks Briningstool can be one of the best Clemson has ever had. The Clemson coach said Briningstool’s body, skillset and his athleticism are really not normal for a tight end. Richardson said there has been a switch that has flipped on in the last six months for Briningstool and he can’t wait to get back on the field and work with him.
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