Clemson Holds First Stadium Scrimmage

by CU Athletic Communications - Mon Mar 31 19:53:53 GMT-04:00 2014

Clemson, S.C—In his sixth full season as Clemson Head Coach, Dabo Swinney did something Monday he had never done previously. He held a scrimmage where his defense was free to tackle the quarterback. No purple jerseys, everything was “live.”

“It was good for both sides of the ball,” said Swinney, who said the quarterbacks were always “live” for practice when he was a player at Alabama. “The offensive line played with pride today and it carried over to everyone on that side of the ball. The defensive line got exposed in some ways. What was called an easy sack previously, was not a sack today.”

Swinney was also pleased with his offensive line because it was missing two starters in center Ryan NortonRyan Norton
RS Jr. Offensive Line
#58 6-3, 270
Simpsonville, SC
View Full Profile (shoulder) and tackle Eric Mac LainEric Mac Lain
RS Jr. Offensive Line
#78 6-3, 260
Hope Mills, NC
View Full Profile (turf toe).

The focus of Clemson’s spring practice from fans and the media has been the race to replace 2013 senior Tajh BoydTajh Boyd
Quarterback (2009 - 2013)
#10 6-1, 225
Hampton, VA
View Full Profile at quarterback. The three-year starter has started each of last 40 Clemson games, 32 of them Tiger victories. But there will be a new Clemson quarterback when the Tigers open at Georgia on August 30.

Swinney was pleased with the quarterbacks on Monday. The four signal callers ( Cole StoudtCole Stoudt
Sr. Quarterback
#18 6-4, 205
Dublin, OH
View Full Profile , Chad KellyChad Kelly
RS So. Quarterback
#11 6-2, 210
Buffalo, NY
View Full Profile , Deshaun WatsonDeshaun Watson
Fr. Quarterback
#4 6-3, 190
Gainesville, GA
View Full Profile and Nick Schussler) who saw action in Monday’s scrimmage were a combined 27-48 for 379 yards and four touchdowns. That computes to an efficiency of 151.0 None of the four had an interception and in fact the offense did not commit a turnover in the 100 plays that were run.

“We have good competition at quarterback. I have said before that I am not worried about that position this year. We have talented players at that position. I am so encouraged by the competition at that position.”

Swinney was also encouraged by the performance of many other Tigers on Monday. “ Ammon LakipAmmon Lakip
RS Jr. Kicker
#36 5-10, 185
Alpharetta, GA
View Full Profile continues to stand out. He had another day in which he did not miss a kick. I have put him in all kinds of situations and he has delivered every time.

All of Swinney’s praise was not reserved for the offense. “ B.J. GoodsonB.J. Goodson
RS Jr. Linebacker
#44 6-0, 240
Lamar, SC
View Full Profile (linebacker) was a player who stood out today. He had a lot of big hits.

“Overall it was a good first scrimmage. There was back and forth. The offense would stand out, then the defense would come back strong. We hope all the players learn from today’s scrimmage and comeback next Monday even stronger.”