CLEMSON — Clemson football's spring game will be played Saturday at Memorial Stadium, and coach Dabo Swinney wants fans to be in attendance and get into the game atmosphere.
With no preseason games in college football, Clemson has its only chance to play with fans in attendance (1 p.m. ET) until it faces Georgia on Aug. 31 to open the 2024 season. , ESPN+).
“Pack your bags and let’s make it a great day,” Swinney said.
more:Watch Clemson Football's 2024 Spring Practice Live on ESPN+ (Subscribe Now)
After 14 spring sessions, the Tigers' players look to show off their improvement since last season's Gator Bowl, while exciting freshmen will take part in their first game of the Orange-White spring game. Become.
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Here are five things to look out for during the annual game.
Growth of QB Cade Klubnik
Klubnik last took the field in the Gator Bowl when he led a 12-play, 68-yard touchdown drive to lift Clemson over Kentucky. In his second year under offensive coordinator Garrett Riley, he has developed better relationships with his skill position teammates during spring practice and has improved his post-snap evaluations.
Last season, Krbnik was sacked 28 times and had nine interceptions. Watch for how the junior develops on Saturday and how quickly he gets the ball out while limiting turnovers and sacks.
“He's playing a lot of snaps right now and just being comfortable. Same language, same system, same players around him and some additions as a second year,” Riley said. I did.
Competition for starting positions between center and kicker
Swinney has not announced starters at each position, but he did make it clear on Wednesday that if the Tigers play, Ryan Linthicome will start at center instead of Harris Sewell and Trent Howard. Swinney would like to see Linthicum commit more to his body, but he still has an advantage over Sewell, who needs more reps, and Howard, who has played guard and center throughout the spring.
When it comes to the starting kicking role, there's no clear winner between Robert Gunn III and Nolan Hauser. Swinney said Gunn has been “a little more consistent” but neither has won the job.
This competition for position will continue on the field this weekend.
Freshmen Sammy Brown and Bryant Wesco Jr. in action
Brown was one of two five-star players (along with wide receiver TJ Moore) to join Clemson's No. 11 class, according to the 247Sports Composite. Known for his blond mullet off the field, he has demonstrated his ability by winning the 2023 High School Butkus Award, which is given to the nation's top linebacker.
“I see the wheels turning,” defensive coordinator Wes Goodwin said. “Now that things are slowing down, he's becoming more fluid and more comfortable and confident as a defensive quarterback.” I was able to play and run the show when the opportunity came.”
And then there's Wesco, who has been praised by coaches and teammates for his maturity and playmaking ability. Saturday will be his chance to show why he can help the Tigers in his freshman season.
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Who will stand behind RB Phil Mafa?
Mafa is definitely the No. 1 running back room because of his experience and skill set, but with Will Shipley heading to the NFL Draft, another back will need to step up. A likely candidate would be Keith “Hammerhead” Adams Jr., who showed flashes throughout spring practice.
“He's faster (and) a little bit more athletic than you think,” Swinney said. “When you come to tackle him, you better put on your big boy pads.”
Jarvis Green and David Eziomum have also had strong practices and scrimmages. Notice how these running backs handle the ball in their hands and how they hold up in pass protection.
Clemson University's first-team offense was on the field for the Orange team on Saturday, including Tristan Lee (left tackle), Colin Sadler (left guard), Linthicum (center), Marcus Tate (right guard), and Blake Miller ( right tackle). Sadler will continue to start at left guard in 2022 as Walker Parks, who played in two games last year before suffering a season-ending lower-body injury, continues to work his way back.
This is the first time Luke has coached the offensive line in spring practice since joining the team in December. The experienced coach has energized the unit and preached physicality, technique and discipline. The first-team offensive line will have to deal with TJ Parker, Kayden Story and Cade Denhoff on the edge Saturday, and Tre Williams, Vic Burley and Demonte Capehart on the inside.
Derian Carter covers Clemson Athletics for The Greenville News and USA TODAY Network. Email dcarter@gannett.com and follow X (previously known as Twitter) @DerrianCarter00.
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