Ask the Coach

TigerNet reader have the opportunity to ask Dabo Swinney questions each week.

by David Hood - Senior Writer - Thu Nov 13 11:22:43 GMT-04:00 2008

Last week, Tigernet gave its readers the opportunity to pose questions to Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney, and this past Monday, Swinney was kind enough to give Tigernet readers an exclusive look inside the football program and what he thinks.

Originally, my idea was to hit him with three questions, but the time went so quick, I think we can expand this in the coming weeks. I took a look at the different questions that were posed, and tried to give a good sampling. Please keep the questions coming, and we will try and get more in this week.

Timothy Scheatzle, Matt Brandel and Monty Smith all asked in some fashion if Swinney would consider asking former head coach Danny Ford to be a part of the program, should Swinney be named the full-time coach at the end of the season.

Swinney: I donʼt think he would do that, but if I got this job I would love to embrace coach Ford. I would really to welcome him to come out and be around practice, to bring his grandkids out. I would like for him to speak to the team. That would be something I would reach out to him for, but I think he is enjoying life pretty good so far.

Joshua Love asked the coach about using Spiller more as a wideout, and in that position, using him along with Jacoby Ford to run more quick slants in order to offset some of the problems the offensive line has had.

Swinney: We use both of those guys in a lot of different ways. Against Alabama, we threw slants and Spiller broke a big play, and I think youʼve seen in the last three weeks that Jacoby has been the leading receiver in maybe two of those weeks, and Spiller has been the leader in all-purpose yards. In every game, we are making a concerted effort to make sure they are touching the ball in every way possible.

Mel Driggers asked Swinney about the possibility of putting a replica of Howardʼs Rock at every fan entrance to Death Valley, allowing fans the opportunity to rub the rock before heading into the stadium.

Swinney: That sounds like a good idea to me. That is something I would like to bring up with the Athletic Director and the Leadership Council in the offseason. It sounds like a good one to me. I love it.

Email your question for Dabo Swinney or a Clemson player here: davidhood@tigernet.com