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.
Dabo Swinney says Clemson has had no players decide to opt out.
— Grace Raynor (@gmraynor) August 6, 2020
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 says last thing Clemson wants to do is for XT to try to go and be half of potential. Just not ready to play football yet. Says he's proud of XT's maturity and self awareness.
— Grace Raynor (@gmraynor) August 6, 2020
Xavier Thomas did not have COVID-19 at Clemson. He had it before June and before he got back to campus.
— Grace Raynor (@gmraynor) August 6, 2020
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.
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.