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Dabo Swinney gives major updates following Clemson’s first practice

By Shawn Spencer

CLEMSON, SOUTH CAROLINA - JUNE 13: Clemson football head coach Dabo Swinney addresses the crowd during the "March for Change" protest at Bowman Field on June 13, 2020 in Clemson, South Carolina. The protests were in response to the death of George Floyd, an African American, while in the custody of the Minneapolis police. Protests calling for an end to police brutality have spread across cities in the U.S., and in other parts of the world. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
CLEMSON, SOUTH CAROLINA - JUNE 13: Clemson football head coach Dabo Swinney addresses the crowd during the "March for Change" protest at Bowman Field on June 13, 2020 in Clemson, South Carolina. The protests were in response to the death of George Floyd, an African American, while in the custody of the Minneapolis police. Protests calling for an end to police brutality have spread across cities in the U.S., and in other parts of the world. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /
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Dabo Swinney gives major updates following Clemson’s first practice

Clemson Head Coach Dabo Swinney provided some major updates pertaining to the Clemson football program following the Tigers’ first fall camp practice Thursday evening.

Swinney, who met with the media via Zoom following the practice, had several updates and answered questions from several media members.

One of the questions that led of Dabo Swinney’s media session pertained to Clemson DE Xavier Thomas. Thomas was listed as ‘not available’ for the Tigers’ big weigh-in Wednesday and there was speculation that the junior defensive end would be opting out of the 2020 season.

Swinney told the media Thursday evening that the Tigers currently had no opt outs and that Thomas was in a yellow jersey during practice. Thomas plans to work with the team, but was hit with COVID-19 earlier and then strep throat following that bout.

At this point, Swinney said that Thomas isn’t in shape to play football and the plan is to bring him along slowly and play him in four games this season, allowing him to redshirt and save a year of eligibility.

Dabo Swinney also spoke on Notre Dame, South Carolina & COVID-19

Swinney called a team meeting back in June and told his players that their scholarship was safe and that staff were also safe if anyone was there that didn’t feel comfortable.

On the issues of Notre Dame and South Carolina, Swinney reiterated several times that he was disappointed that the Tigers and Gamecocks wouldn’t play. He made the point that Clemson will be able to travel to Notre Dame, but not play in-state rival South Carolina.

When speaking of Notre Dame, Swinney said that having them in the league is ‘good for everyone’ and he is looking forward to playing them later this year.

Lastly, Swinney said the plan at this point is for Clemson to wait and see about The Citadel and Akron as the team to schedule in their non-conference slot.

Next. A look at the Tigers' new 2020 schedule. dark

Overall, it’s exciting to see the Tigers back on the football field and it will be interesting to see how practice progresses over the course of this next month heading into the season.

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