CLEMSON FOOTBALL

Swinney discusses his young defensive depth


by - Assoc. Editor -

Clemson coach Dabo Swinney talked to the media on Wednesday on the weekly ACC teleconference and discussed which young defensive players have impressed him through two football games.

"Yeah, oh, yeah. I think our backup ends, Austin BryantAustin Bryant
Fr. Defensive End
#91 6-4, 268
Pavo, GA

View Full Profile
and (Richard) Yeargin and Dane RogersDane Rogers
RS So. Defensive End
#85 6-3, 269
Shelby, NC

View Full Profile
were three guys that we needed to get some work these first couple days and are encouraged," Swinney said. "They've just got to grow up and learn how to play. Same thing with Jalen WilliamsJalen Williams
Fr. Linebacker
#30 6-0, 224
Columbia, SC

View Full Profile
and Kendall JosephKendall Joseph
RS Fr. Linebacker
#34 5-11, 230
Belton, SC

View Full Profile
, our two backup backers.

Swinney knows a key for developing football players is getting them quality game experience.

"There's a big drop off between B.J. GoodsonB.J. Goodson
RS Sr. Linebacker
#44 6-0, 245
Lamar, SC

View Full Profile
and Ben BoulwareBen Boulware
Jr. Outside Linebacker
#10 6-0, 241
Anderson, SC

View Full Profile
and those two guys, and there should be," Swinney said. "These guys are -- one is a redshirt freshman, one is a true freshman, and B.J. is a fifth-year senior and Ben is a third-year junior. There was drop off when Ben Boulware got here, too, when Spencer ShueySpencer Shuey
Linebacker (2009 - 2013)
#33 6-3, 230
Charlotte, NC

View Full Profile
was in front of him. It's just the way it is. Guys have to learn how to play. But several of those guys have been -- Christian WilkinsChristian Wilkins
Fr. Defensive Tackle
#42 6-5, 299
Longmeadow, MA

View Full Profile
is another guy inside that has really stepped up. Jabril RobinsonJabril Robinson
RS Fr. Defensive Tackle
#50 6-3, 276
Leland, NC

View Full Profile
. We've got several guys that are I think developing nicely for us."

Austin Bryant

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 Tony Crumpton: 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!