Clemson head football coach Dabo Swinney has set clear goals for the Tigers’ upcoming season, emphasizing the need for defensive consistency and improvements in special teams. Swinney, speaking during a preseason address, highlighted areas for development on both sides of the ball.
“Defensively, just consistency,” Swinney said. “We’re coming off a top 10 finish last year in defense, let’s put back-to-back years together and create the type of consistency that we want. We have to improve in the red zone as well. Not many people got to the red zone, but when they did, we gave up too many touchdowns in that area. That’s been a big emphasis for us in the offseason.”
Swinney acknowledged the need to optimize the defensive lineup, focusing on the best personnel for the defensive line. “Figuring out our best four, our best eight in that defensive line and how to best use our bodies. We’ve got a lot of big, strong, athletic bodies there,” he noted.
The back end of the defense is also under scrutiny, with Swinney pointing to a blend of experienced veterans and talented young players. “We have length and athleticism, but how to best use those bodies on the back end will be a big emphasis in camp,” he added. “And then just solidifying who our top six are at linebacker. I think there’ll be a lot of competition right there.”
Special teams are another focal point, particularly in the kicking game. “Special teams: kicker competition. Obviously, the number one thing for us there is we have to get better in field goals. That really hurt us, especially early part of the year, and we’ve tried to address that,” Swinney said.
Additionally, Swinney is keen on building confidence among punt returners, believing in their elite ability. “Creating that confidence with the catchers there,” he emphasized.