It wasn't the words, but the laugh that echoed loudest from the podium Tuesday morning.
When asked for a specific status on veteran offensive lineman Walker Parks—a player whose health could single-handedly determine the ceiling of Clemson's offense—head coach Dabo Swinney simply chuckled. No "green jersey," no "yellow jersey," no cautious coach-speak. Just a laugh and a simple, declarative statement that sent a wave of optimism through Tiger Town.
"He's back in practice," Swinney said, a stark contrast to the vague "day-to-day" descriptors that plagued Parks' status last season. "He’s doing good."
For a Clemson team desperate to re-establish physical dominance at the line of scrimmage, those five words might as well have been a proclamation of championship intent. Parks, a critical anchor on the offensive front, is officially practicing, and his coach's relaxed demeanor suggests his return is not a matter of 'if,' but 'when.'
The positive news didn't stop there. Speaking to the media ahead of a grueling week of practice, Swinney expressed broad satisfaction with his team's health heading into the season opener.
"From a health standpoint, we're in a good spot. Been very fortunate to this point," Swinney stated. "We got some tough practice today. Tuesday's a tough day. Tough day tomorrow as well... but as we sit right now, we're in a good spot from an injury standpoint."
That's the kind of news that allows a coaching staff to sleep at night, especially after the attrition the Tigers have faced in recent years.
While the focus was on Parks, Swinney also provided an update on defensive lineman Jay Haynes, another key piece in the trenches.
"Jay Haynes is close to being back," Swinney confirmed, though he quickly tempered expectations for the immediate future. "Won't be back this week, but getting closer."