CLEMSON — As Clemson returns to the practice fields this week to resume spring workouts, one area head coach Dabo Swinney wants to see improvement is in the secondary.

Prior to the Tigers breaking for spring break, Swinney and defensive backs coach Mike Reed decided to sit starter Avieon Terrell, while Jeadyn Lukus is sitting out the spring to nurse his shoulder.

With those two out, it gave some of Clemson’s young cornerbacks an opportunity to show what they can do. However, they did not do too well with their opportunity.

“They all have a ways to go,” Swinney said. “None of them are ready to play. Thank God we do not play right now. They all have a long way to go.”

The Tigers are hopeful their cornerbacks can improve before the season begins on Aug. 30. Clemson, of course, will take on LSU and Heisman hopeful Garrett Nussmeier in the season opener. The LSU quarterback, along with Clemson’s Cade Klubnik, is considered one of the frontrunners for college football’s most coveted individual award.

Nussmeier ranked fifth nationally with 4,052 passing yards (311.7 yds/game) in 2024.

“I am glad we do not play this spring,” Swinney said.

Swinney said his young cornerbacks have to grow in every area. When asked what area he might like to see his cornerbacks grow, he said, “Every area. Name one.”

“Name it. It’s that one. They have to grow in every area,” Swinney said. “They have to grow in every area. That group is not anywhere near good enough. I hope y’all print that.”

The young cornerbacks Swinney is talking about are Tavoy Feagin (redshirt freshman), Corian Gipson (redshirt freshman), Ashton Hampton (sophomore) and Branden Strozier (redshirt sophomore).

“I need to see guys get their noses bloodied a little bit when it isn’t going to cost us the game,” Swinney said. “I think we all know what we got in some of our guys, so we are trying to expose some of our other guys to really force the issue.

“(Terrell) was on a pitch count today. I don’t need to see AV. I need to see Strozier. I need to see Feagin. I need to see Corian Gipson. Those guys need to show me they can play.”

Clemson resumes spring practice on Monday and will continue the last six practices of the spring through April 5 when it hosts its Annual Orange & White Spring Game at Memorial Stadium (1 p.m.).