CLEMSON FOOTBALL

Swinney says Tigers have the pieces in place for a great season
Tony McNeal's playing career is over, but he will remain with the team as a student assistant

Swinney says Tigers have the pieces in place for a great season


by - Senior Writer -

The Clemson football team begins spring practice on March 6th, the first step in 2013 for what many Clemson fans hope will be a special season.

Head coach Dabo SwinneyDabo Swinney
Head Coach
View Full Profile
was asked Tuesday if there were any impediments to having a great season, if there were any pieces lacking or any personnel issues that might preclude the Tigers putting together that special year, the translation being: Are there any excuses?

His answer was a resounding no.

"We're not hoping for a great season, we are expecting it," Swinney said. "It is a journey and as long as we are staying focused, we have a chance to be a special team. But the ball we play with isn't round, and sometimes you have to have a little luck along the way. We have outstanding players and good depth and we've recruited well. If we stay committed and stay humble and confident and don't let distractions enter into our program we certainly have a chance to be one of those teams that can be in the mix."

Swinney said the goal is a national championship.

“Our goal is to compete for national championships,” he said. “We want to be in that mix for a BCS Bowl every year. We want to finish in the Top 10 multiple times. That’s what we’re trying to do, and I think the guys understand the margin is very small when you’re trying to be one of those elite teams. But I think we’ve learned how to prepare. “Everything counts. When you’re trying to be great, everything counts.”

Swinney said the players and coaches were excited to get spring practice underway.

“It’s always exciting to start spring ball, and we start a week from tomorrow,” he said. “It has been a busy, busy offseason, as it is every year. We did our self-study and set our goals and a practice plan for the spring ball. We got our schedule yesterday, and it’s always exciting when that happens.”

Notes from the call

On Sammy WatkinsSammy Watkins
So. Wide Receiver
#2 6-1, 205
Fort Myers, FL

View Full Profile

“He's fine, injury-wise. He's good. His focus is outstanding. He's really grown. Sammy is just one of those guys who's really grown into a solid leader for this team. I don't have any doubt he'll do everything he can to have a great season. Last year, I think, is going to be a great experience for him, just looking back on his career."

On the lack of bodies at defensive back for the spring

"We don't have a lot of bodies here for spring ball. We signed eight defensive backs. Half our number isn't here for spring ball, with the exception of Jadar [Johnson]. But we get Darius [Robinson] and Bashaud [Breeland] and Martin [Jenkins] back. Getting those guys back healthy is going to be key. Garry PetersGarry Peters
RS So. Defensive Back
#26 6-0, 195
Conyers, GA

View Full Profile
is a guy we're really excited about as a player. He made huge strides this past year as a football player. He's a guy that's got to fully commit, have his attitude right and team commitment."

On Garry Peters’ suspension

“He will miss a few practices because the attitude needs to be better. He’s a guy that’s still got to fully commit and have his attitude right, understand team commitment. That’s where it really starts with him.”

Swinney said that Peters will participate in team meetings, then head to Vickery Hall when the rest of the team heads to practice.

On the battle at backup QB

"Cole [Stoudt] right now is our No. 2 guy. He has performed for us and helped us win games. He is a quiet guy, but has been a critical part of our success. Chad KellyChad Kelly
Fr. Quarterback
#11 6-2, 210
Buffalo, NY

View Full Profile
is a guy that turned some heads I don't think there is any question that will be a fun competition. I am excited about it. Chad is going to be a redshirt freshman and Cole a junior and I think they will battle their tails off this spring and win that job. And I hope they push Tajh. As far as somebody separating this spring I don't know if that will happen."

On the center position

Swinney said that Ryan NortonRyan Norton
RS Fr. Offensive Line
#58 6-3, 270
Mauldin, SC

View Full Profile
is No. 1 on the depth chart, but Jay GuillermoJay Guillermo
Fr. Center
#57 6-3, 290
Maryville, TN

View Full Profile
, Reid WebsterReid Webster
RS So. Offensive Line
#77 6-5, 285
Woodstock, GA

View Full Profile
and even Tra ThomasTra Thomas
RS So. Defensive Tackle
#95 6-0, 275
Wadesboro, NC

View Full Profile
could see time there.

"Jay Guillermo is a guy that we're really excited about. Reid Webster is working as a backup guard, backup center. Reid has really come on.”

On the LB’s

Dabo said that some combination of Spencer ShueySpencer Shuey
RS Jr. Linebacker
#33 6-3, 230
Charlotte, NC

View Full Profile
, Tony StewardTony Steward
So. Linebacker
#7 6-1, 235
Hastings, FL

View Full Profile
and Stephone AnthonyStephone Anthony
So. Linebacker
#12 6-3, 235
Polkton, NC

View Full Profile
will plays the MIKE and WILL linebacker positions, with Quandon ChristianQuandon Christian
RS Jr. Linebacker
#34 6-2, 225
Lake View, SC

View Full Profile
at the SAM. He also said the transfer Kellen JonesKellen Jones
So. Linebacker
#52 6-1, 215
Houston, TX

View Full Profile
“was a pain in the rear end of our offensive coaches” during the fall and will push for playing time.

Tony McNealTony McNeal
RS So. Quarterback
#12 6-0, 195
Chester, SC

View Full Profile
and Ammon LakipAmmon Lakip
RS So. Punter / Kicker
#36 5-10, 175
Alpharetta, GA

View Full Profile

Swinney said that backup QB Tony McNeal is done with football after suffering a knee injury, but will be a student assistant. Kicker Ammon Lakip is not in school right now as he deals with a family issue, but he hopes Lakip will be back in the fall.

“We’re working on getting him a medical withdraw so this semester won’t count against him,” Swinney said. “He’s got some personal and family issues that he’s working through. This is a great young man that has an excellent future in front of him.”

Ultimate Level LogoUpgrade Your Account

Unlock premium boards and exclusive features (e.g. ad-free) by upgrading your account today.

Upgrade Now
Comment on this story
Print   
Send Feedback to David Hood: Email | Comment
Former Clemson offensive lineman signs with Seahawks
Former Clemson offensive lineman signs with Seahawks
No. 3 Tigers set for midweek action
No. 3 Tigers set for midweek action
National bracket predictions, rankings for Clemson in NCAA Tournament
National bracket predictions, rankings for Clemson in NCAA Tournament
Clemson vaults into Top 5 after weekend wins at Duke
Clemson vaults into Top 5 after weekend wins at Duke
Post your comments!