Feaster talks health, track and a national championship

Feaster thinks he will be ready for the start of fall camp

by David Hood - Senior Writer - May 25, 2016, 8:08 AM

Tavien Feaster is feeling healthy for the first time in two years, and he’s ready to help Clemson make a run at a national title.

The 2016 running back commit out of Spartanburg had surgery to repair a torn labrum in late February, forcing him to miss running track this spring. The time off has helped, however, and Feaster heads into the summer and his enrollment at Clemson feeling close to one hundred percent.

“I feel great. I was a little disappointed that I didn't run track, but I know everything is going to work out for the best,” Feaster said. “I am just preparing myself for college. Right now, I feel good and I feel fresh.”

Feaster plans to make up for lost track time by running track at Clemson – as long as he doesn’t fall behind in football.

“Track has been really important, just to stay in shape all year round. I've never had to worry about being out of shape, or worrying if I need to lose a certain amount of weight because I was eating too much,” he said. “Track helps me maintain my speed and has actually helped me get faster over the years. Track has played a big role for me.

“It's definitely in the plans at Clemson. I want to get back out on the track. To be the blazer that I am out on the field I have to put in more work than is called for. I haven't talked to the track coaches, but I talked to the football coaches and they've told me that if I am doing good they will leave me alone for spring ball, but if I am slow - which isn't going to happen - they are going to make me play spring ball.”

Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney told the media recently that he doesn’t expect Feaster to be ready for contact during the first week of fall camp in August, but Feaster told TigerNet that he’s put in the work necessary to be ready from day one.

“I've gained a couple of pounds to 208 - I am a little bigger - but I've maintained my speed and I've gotten my speed back,” he said. “I have been working out really hard, and right now there is nothing I feel like I can't do. Shoulder wise, everything is in place now and I feel good.

“I plan on getting there and changing their minds. I don't think they know how hard I've been working just to get back to 100 percent. I haven't been 100 percent in two years. I don't think they are planning on me being ready for the beginning of the season but I know how hard I am going to work over the summer and how hard I am working right now just so I can get ready to be an early contributor to the team.”

His good health and excitement about joining a program on the rise have Feaster excited about the possibilities for the 2016 season, one he thinks can end in a title.

“I am looking forward to the experience. I've been thinking about it and it's crazy how far I've already come. I am just ready to be a part of something special and I am ready to be something special,” he said. “You see how far Clemson got last year even though people didn't think they would make it that far. It's all about team chemistry and all of those guys are coming back.

“We've lost some guys on defense but then again there are some young guys that are planning to step up, like Big Dex (Dexter Lawrence). I think this team has a major shot at winning it all. We have the best quarterback and running back duo in the country, we have the best receivers in the country, and I think the offense is powerful. As long as they stay together and never get the big head, I think we are going to win the championship.”