5 Things I am watching in the Clemson Football Spring Game

Sammy Brown and Bryant Wesco

Alright, let’s go through some things to remember before I do this one.

We can’t expect all early enrollees to be ready to play at a high level right away, even if they are highly regarded prospects. Every player acclimates at their own pace. We can’t rely on what we hear from the coaching staff and their teammates because sometimes players are overhyped, while other players receive little public acknowledgment.

Now, with that said: I am really looking forward to seeing both Sammy Brown and Bryant Wesco in action.

I’ve seen a fair amount of chatter about Wesco. Coaches and players have noted his playmaking ability while also acknowledging that he has some growing to do. I am not 100% sure, but I expect that Wesco will be on Klubnik’s team. I think the coaches would want to promote the chemistry between those two.

I have not heard as much about Brown this spring, but that could be due to a couple of reasons. First, the need for Brown’s playmaking abilities isn’t as great at linebacker as the need for Wesco’s playmaking abilities at wide receiver. With Barrett Carter and Wade Woodaz anchoring the middle of the defense, Brown can acclimate on his timetable. There isn’t as much urgency.

The other reason is that Brown may not need to hear the praise. We have often acknowledged that there is usually a method behind the madness when it comes to how Swinney and the coaches publicly regard players. Sometimes they are speaking more to the players than they are to the fans.

We could run in circles trying to decipher whether praise (or the withholding of praise) is genuine or strategic. Our eyes will see their current status on April 6th.