Clemson tried everything, including consultants, to help with kick coverage
Dabo Swinney made it his mission this offseason to improve Clemson’s kickoff coverage. The Tigers finished last in the ACC and 115th in the nation in 2015, allowing nearly 25 yards per return. He expects there to be a big improvement this year, beginning Saturday at Auburn.
Swinney went as far as to bring in three consultants to help with kickoff coverage, and said he believes the Tigers have solved their issues.
“We learned from last year. We studied ourselves. We studied other people. We met with other people. We really evaluated our personnel. You name it we’ve done it,” he said. “We’ve peeled the onion back every layer that you can. We’re excited to hit the field and see if we can have a much better year in that particular area.”
Starting linebacker Dorian O’Daniel, who contributed mostly on special teams in 2015, said more effort from starters could go a long way toward fixing the problems.
SWINNEY ON SEAN
Even though Auburn starting quarterback Sean White threw for one touchdown and had four interceptions a year ago, Swinney believes he’s capable of putting up impressive numbers.
“This kid can really throw the football. If you watch the Arkansas game, that’s the one that sticks out from last year. He made some not good throws, he made some great throws,” Swinney said. “He has a very good pocket presence. He doesn’t get rattled.”
In that game, White was 19-for-32 for 254 yards with no touchdowns and no interceptions in a 54-46 (4OT) loss.
WILLIAMS WAY BETTER
Swinney reiterated he expects Mike Williams to have a monster year after sitting out all but one series in 2015 with a neck injury.
Williams led the Tigers in receiving in 2014 before being injured in last year’s opener.
“He’s better, way better than he was this time last year going into the first game,” Swinney said. “I think he probably has a better appreciation for his talent and just the opportunity to play football. This is the best version of Mike Williams that I’ve seen.”
INJURY UPDATE
Starting defensive end Austin Bryant is recovering from foot surgery as Clemson continues to hope to have him back by Week 4.
Cornerback Marcus Edmond, who returned to practice last week after missing fall camp with a hamstring injury, will be available but isn’t expected to start.
RIVALRY RENEWED
Swinney would be in favor of making Georgia a permanent rival.
“If it was up to me, we’d play Georgia every year just because that makes sense,” he said. “It’s just down the road. There’s a lot of tradition in that. You might get beat every year, too.”
AUBURN DB OUT
Auburn defensive back Stephen Roberts won’t play against Clemson following his arrest.
Tigers coach Gus Malzahn said Roberts’ status will be week to week after the opener.
Roberts was arrested last week and charged with two misdemeanors for attempting to elude an officer and possessing a firearm without a license.
This story was originally published August 30, 2016 at 8:29 PM with the headline "Clemson tried everything, including consultants, to help with kick coverage."