On Thursday, Clemson completed the last full scrimmage it will have before the Tigers take on Wofford in Death Valley on Sept. 5. For the freshmen, it was the first time that they had to juggle having both class and practice in the same day.
Here is what we heard after the last full scrimmage:
The general consensus from the coaches and players the scrimmage went well. Co-offensive coordinator Jeff Scott it was the best one they’ve had this preseason.
“It was what I was hoping to see today as far as how we organized the scrimmage and scripted it,” head coach Dabo Swinney said. “Pretty dominate performance by our first group, offensively, and a pretty dominate performance by our first group, defensively.”
The offense performed well and did not commit a single turnover.
“Overall, I thought it was a real positive day,” Scott said.
He also called Artavis Scott the best run-blocking receiver on the team.
“(Artavis) has really improved his game,” Scott said.
Swinney and Scott had great things to about all of their tight ends, but Jordan Leggett and freshman Garrett Williams received a majority of the praise.
“It’s just been solid. I just wanted to focus in on my technique and stuff just to give me a better opportunity,” Leggett said. “It just really hit me, so I’m just really going to go out there and work hard.”
Clemson also found their kicker in walk on Greg Huegel. He made all six field goals today, including one from over 50 yards.
“I cannot say enough good things about Greg Huegel. I’ve learned his name and even know how to spell it,” Swinney said. “He was impressive today, had about four game winners and kicked a 53-yarder to win the game right there at the end. As we start our game prep tomorrow, he’s the guy that will start for us at kicker. He’s earned that in camp. I’m proud of him.”
Ammon Lakip will return will be fully reinstated after his three-game suspension. He’ll have the opportunity to compete for his job, but he’ll have to win it back.
“He’s done everything we have asked him to do and so now he just has his team punishment, which is three games. Then he will be back in full graces with the Tigers and if he wins the job back, good for him,” Swinney said. I hope that Greg goes out there and is 10 for 10 in the first three games. We’ll see what happens.”
Co-offensive coordinator Tony Elliott had great things to say about the offensive line, specifically right guard Tyrone Crowder.
“He’s had a really really good camp,” Elliot said. “He’s creating movement, he’s smart. The offensive line is a totally different group this year.”
The Tigers will practice Friday and Saturday with Fan Appreciation Day set for Sunday.