Dabo Swinney and the Clemson Tigers Football staff met with the media for the first time this summer as we are approaching the 2023 season.
Coach Swinney shared some injury updates, most notably that senior safety Tyler Venables will miss most or all of the season with a hip labral tear. There is a possibility that Venables could return towards the end of the season. The plan is for him to redshirt. Venables will have two more seasons (his redshirt senior season and his super senior season) left after 2023.
Tre Williams and Myles Oliver are also recovering from injuries and will likely not be available until after fall camp starts. Altogether, this was one of the least impactful injury updates we have heard from the Tigers in a very long time.
Swinney confirmed that the plan is to redshirt Christopher Vizzina. He will be able to play in up to four games this season.
It was recently announced that running back James Davis, known as ‘Thunder’ to CJ Spiller’s ‘Lightning’ in their playing days, was joining the Tiger staff. Coach Swinney was asked for his opinion.
Dabo Swinney smirks as he talks about the return of James Davis as a coach, working alongside CJ Spiller.
— Jon Blau (@Jon_Blau) July 18, 2023
"That's a pretty good running back meeting room."
Offensive coordinator Garrett Riley is eager to get the offense back on the field to see where they stand following spring football and summer workouts. He complimented Cade Klubnik’s leadership during the transition to the new offense.
Both Clemson Tigers coordinators are eager to get back on the field with their team
Riley also complimented the running backs and expressed excitement for the arrival of two more players over the summer: Jay Haynes and Jarvis Green.
Riley reiterated that the best way to master his offense is repetition, and keeping the scheme focused and concise is the best way to facilitate the installation process.
Defensive coordinator Wes Goodwin praised the defense for their veteran leadership. He mentioned linemen like Tyler Davis, Ruk Ohorhoro, Xavier Thomas, and Justin Mascoll for leading by example and working like pros. He said the leaders in the back seven were setting the tone for their groups as well.
Goodwin noted how well Peter Woods fits in culturally at Clemson, and defensive line coach Nick Eason noted his humbleness. Eason thinks he will evolve into a natural leader for the defense as he develops. He reinforced that Woods has room for improvement. Physically he is dominant, but Eason expressed that he is still learning the college game.