10-Year-Old Steals the Show at Clemson Spring Game
CLEMSON — The final moments of Clemson’s annual spring game had a chaotic, uniquely “Clemson” finish.
After a field goal by Robert Gunn III, fans assumed the game was over and rushed onto the field in celebration, as they would after any other home game. At Clemson, the tradition is called “Gathering at the Paw,” a postgame ritual where fans flood the field to meet players and coaches.
But this wasn’t a normal game — not for Dabo Swinney.
The Tigers’ head coach had other plans to wrap up spring ball. With several position battles still unresolved — including punter — Swinney wanted to get one last look at some live punting. So, as fans, mostly kids, began filling the field, he grabbed the mic and said, “Hold up, we’re gonna do something with punting.”
Stadium officials quickly ushered many of the fans off the field, but Swinney knew they’d already lost that battle. So he turned the moment into one of those spontaneous, feel-good memories
“I need a punter! Who wants to field a punt?” Swinney shouted.
Of course, every hand in the crowd went up. Swinney scanned the group and pointed to a young fan. “Come here,” he said. That fan was Harrison.
Out trotted punter Jack Smith, and there stood Harrison, ready to try his hand at fielding a punt.
The first punt bounced off him. The next two floated too far toward the sideline. The crowd groaned — then cheered him on for another try.
After a few more near misses, Swinney called an audible — or rather, he called on Clemson legend and current running backs coach C.J. Spiller who was already trying to help the young fan catch the ball.
Spiller stepped up, waved his hand, and cleanly caught the next punt. The crowd erupted in applause.
It was a lighthearted ending to a physical day of spring football. Fans smiled and cheered as they exited the stadium, with one final reminder that even in a practice, Swinney will find a way to mix in competition, tradition, and a whole lot of fun. Despite the unexpected interruption, it turned out to be a moment that captured the spirit of Clemson football — a program built on family, fun, and relentless competition, no matter the occasion.
