The ACC Football Kickoff for 2024 took place last week in Charlotte, North Carolina. The event gives the college football media a chance to ask coaches and players questions about the upcoming season. In doing this it drums up excitement for media and fans alike for the start of the college football season coming around the corner.
Clemson got their time on stage Thursday, the last of the four-day event. During that time Dabo Swinney, Cade Klubnik, Phil Mafah, Barrett Carter, and RJ Mickens gave some insight into how the team feels heading into 2024. They gave fans plenty of tidbits to get excited about.
Improvement is Expected with Klubnik and Riley Pairing
The 2024 season will be the second year for the quarterback and offensive coordinator pairing of Klubnik and Garrett Riley. The 2023 season was Klubnik’s first as the full-time starting quarterback after taking the job at the end of his freshman season. For Riley, it was his first year as the offensive coordinator at Clemson. Before Clemson, he had a successful tenure at TCU where he won the Broyel’s Award for the top assistant coach in 2022. That same year his offense played a pivotal role in TCU reaching the National Championship game.
After a mediocre first year, there seems to be confidence in the improvement Klubnik has made as a player. Especially in Riley’s system. Within the program, they believe that now having a year of experience under his belt, Klubnik will have a much better year in 2024. Swinney called it a blessing to have Klubnik coming back. He believes that the continued relationship with Riley will only benefit his growth.
When Klubnik was asked where he feels his game has evolved most since being named the starter, he answered “Being able to manage the game.” He added that being the full-time starter for the first year helped him learn how to manage a game more efficiently. It is something he is hoping to get off to a quick start with this season.
Excitement Around This Freshman Class
A part of what makes this Clemson team one to be excited about is the talent coming in this season. The Tigers have three five-star recruits joining the roster for 2024. It did not take long for them to be asked about. “Well we’re going to find out,” Swinney said excitedly when asked about how he feels the freshmen are coming along. He said he does like what he sees so far, but he won’t actually know until they get on the field against someone else. Until then he will hold his true judgment.
What Swinney likes most is that many of the freshmen have been practicing with the team since the spring. According to Swinney, around 15 first-year players were practicing during the spring. We know that two of the three five-star commits were present and played well in the spring game. Wide Receiver Bryant Wesco got some reps with many of the starters and caught a touchdown pass in his three receptions. Linebacker Sammy Brown also got mixed in with many of the defensive starters and got eight tackles and a sack.
Speaking of Brown, he seems to have made quite the impression on Carter. When asked about the freshman the senior linebacker said “He looks the part already.” Carter noted that Brown already may be one of the strongest players on the team. Carter continued complimenting Brown adding “He’s wired differently, to say the least.”
Leadership on Defense Will be Key to Their Success
Besides giving his new teammate love, Carter also talked about his role as a leader this season. “The staff and coach Swinney, they’ve challenged me to become more of a leader,” Carter mentioned. His leadership is an important piece to this defense living up to expectations. It is not just him though. Mickens also harped on how important his leadership is to the group as well. He mentioned how he, Carter, and other veterans have worked hard themselves. Now, they want to pass on the same mentality to the younger guys.
The veteran players’ message to the young guys is to attack everything thrown their way head-on. No matter how tough it may get. When you get to play Georgia to start the season, that may be the best way to truly compete. Right now though, the Tigers sound like they are excited to show everyone they can still be one of the best teams in all of college football.
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