At Dabo Swinney’s Media Golf Outing, both local and national media outlets had the opportunity to pick the brains of Clemson’s position coaches for the only time in the regular season.

This is what we learned from defensive ends coach Marion Hobby:

What does Christian Wilkins do at defensive end that say a 260 lb. end can’t do?

“He is always going to be better at the point of attack because when you get into the rushing world, that is where it is going to pay the biggest difference in. Can he consistently get pressure on the edge? Right now he can run through them and push them to the quarterback and all that stuff that you want but over time, you’re still going to need that guy who has the natural burst on the edge that some of the other guys might have. His upside and his changeup could be really good for us,” Hobby said. “I think Christian was a pleasant surprise for us with the reps he got in during the spring. We’re going to work together because our goal is for Clemson to be successful.”

What’s the challenge like for you to rotate new guys in and get them ready to excel?

“It is always exciting as a coach because that is what you want. You like to look at yourself as a teacher. The challenges keep you going no matter what age you are or how many years you have been coaching,” Hobby said. “It’s your assignment to get the guys ready to play when the whistle blows.”

What kind of development have you seen from Clelin Ferrell and Austin Bryant?

“They’ve been in the weight room, and they look like different guys. Just the maturity of them, the way they talk now, the way they walk around. Both of them came in with great work ethic, Richard as well, and I’m seeing them grow,” Hobby said.

Can you talk about the development of Richard Yeargin?

“He had a good spring. He played a lot of snaps last year at the end of the year, which was good for him. He’s kind of in a similar situation that (Kevin) Dodd was in because he had some numbers in front of him. Dodd was here when Shaq Lawson rolled in,” Hobby said. “Now, it’s about whether he’ll push forward or level off, and I think he’s headed upward. He is definitely not leveling off.”

How do the other ends take Wilkins moving to play snaps at defensive end?

“The first thing we’re going to talk about is what is best for Clemson, then what is best for you and what is best for the coach. Austin is not going to give up his job, Clelin is not going to give up his job, and Richard is not going to give up his job. I think Christian is a great changeup for us if one of those guys does not develop. I am expecting those guys to come out there this fall and be full speed ahead. They are defensive ends,” Hobby said.