CLEMSON — Clemson football coach Dabo Swinney and four Tigers players will take the stage Thursday for the final day of ACC Football Kickoff in Charlotte.
The Clemson players selected are linebacker Barrett Carter, quarterback Cade Klubnik, running back Phil Mafah and defensive back R.J. Mickens.
The Tigers look to return to the College Football Playoff after a three-year absence. They went 9-4 last season to record their fewest wins since 2010 and missed the ACC championship. Clemson’s journey for redemption will start on Aug. 31 vs. Georgia at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.
Here are five questions we’d like to see the 16-year Tigers coach and his players answer at the event:
Will Dabo Swinney prioritizing recruiting over transfer portal work?
The Tigers were a staple in the College Football Playoff from 2015-20, securing a 79-7 record and two national championships. Yet, Clemson has compiled a 30-10 record over the past three seasons.
What changed? Transfers could play immediately and NIL began in 2021, and the Tigers haven’t fully embraced the portal. Clemson landed only two transfers (both reserve quarterbacks) and lost 45 players to the portal in that period.
Swinney tries to use the portal, but his go-to is high school recruitment and development, while other schools lean into a mix of both. He hopes his philosophy can end Clemson’s three-season drought of not making the CFP.
Can Clemson’s offensive line protect Cade Klubnik?
There is optimism for Clemson’s offense in 2024 with Klubnik gaining a full year of experience under offensive coordinator Garrett Riley last season. The Tigers’ skill positions, which Mafah and tight end Jake Briningstool highlight, are solid. Still, the offense’s success will depend on how protection holds up in front of Klubnik.
The Tigers’ offensive line gave up 28 sacks in back-to-back seasons. Although all of those sacks were not on the unit, Swinney brought in offensive line coach Matt Luke to replace Thomas Austin in December. Clemson is still figuring out who the starting center will be, but Luke said he is comfortable playing seven to eight players. Regardless, the Tigers need better pass protection to fully maximize the offense.
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Can Clemson sophomore defensive backs repeat success in 2024?
Sophomore defensive backs Khalil Barnes, Shelton Lewis and Avieon Terrell impressed last season as Clemson’s secondary battled injuries. Each recorded at least one interception and showed they can learn and adapt to the college level.
With last year’s staring duo of Nate Wiggins and Sheridan Jones gone, can Lewis and Terrell hold down those duties? For Barnes, who earned multiple freshman All-America honors, can he replicate last year’s success to help Clemson be one of the top defenses in the nation?
How will linebacker Wade Woodaz perform alongside Barrett Carter?
Woodaz will step up alongside Carter as the starting linebacker duo for Clemson after the Philadelphia Eagles selected Jeremiah Trotter Jr. in the 2024 NFL draft. Trotter and Carter were the team’s leading tacklers last season, and Clemson needs Woodaz to fill Trotter’s void in 2024.
The Florida native is a former three-star recruit and has learned middle linebacker during spring practices. He has showcased his comfort and understanding of the position and will need to display it in preseason practices.
Will true freshmen make an impact in 2024 like in previous seasons?
Last season, Tyler Brown, T.J. Parker and Barnes shined as freshmen. Brown led Clemson in receptions and receiving yards, T.J. Parker tied for the most sacks and Barnes recorded the most interceptions.
Can this incoming recruiting class have similar success? The Tigers brought in the 11th-ranked class in 2024, according to 247Sports. The class includes linebacker Sammy Brown and wide receiver T.J. Moore, both five-stars. Clemson also added wide receiver Bryant Wesco Jr., cornerback Tavoy Feagin and kicker Nolan Hauser, all of whom showed flashes during spring practice.