Five relatively unknown names to watch for in Clemson’s 2022 spring football game
Clemson is set for its annual Orange and White spring game at 1 p.m. Saturday. Have your rosters handy.
There are 17 Tigers expected to be out for the contest, most of whom are recognizable names such as running backs Kobe Pace and Will Shipley, as well as cornerback Sheridan Jones and defensive tackle Bryan Bresee. Despite being thin at some spots, the shortage of eight players on the Orange team and nine players on the White team will allow for others to get some shine.
Here are five relatively unknown names to look out for on Saturday:
Domonique Thomas, RB
With Phil Mafah as the only running back with returning experience expected to play in the spring game, this leaves the door open for others to get in the game. Domonique Thomas joined the team as a walk-on this year after playing the 2020 season at Union College in Kentucky. There, he totaled 527 yards and six touchdowns on 98 carries.
Running backs coach C.J. Spiller noted how Thomas and the other walk-on running backs have capitalized on the spring with Shipley and Pace out.
“They did the best job they could, and I was very pleased with that,” Spiller said. “We still have a long way to go before we can be the unit that we want to be this upcoming season. They’ve taken the challenge.”
Banks Pope, TE
With Davis Allen and Sage Ennis out for the spring game, that leaves only Luke Price and Jake Briningstool as those with playing experience last year set to compete in the spring game. That creates a chance for Banks Pope to get on the field for the first time in almost two years.
Originally committed to Appalachian State, the A.C. Flora High School graduate opted to take a preferred walk-on spot at Clemson. He missed the 2021 season after tearing his ACL in lacrosse during the spring. He’d only played one year at tight end in high school and is taking positive strides in getting the position down.
“Luke and (Will) Blackston and Banks Pope, they’ve done an unbelievable job in taking their reps and taking advantage of their opportunities,” Tigers tight ends coach Kyle Richardson said. “All three of those guys have got a whole lot better. It’s been fun to see them grow this spring.”
Toriano Pride, CB
A four-star prospect and the third-ranked player in Illinois, Toriano Pride is already turning heads during spring practice. The midyear enrollee had a pick-six during a scrimmage, which has helped earn him the respect of his teammates. With both starting cornerbacks from 2021 gone and rising senior Sheridan Jones out with a groin injury, all eyes will be on the incoming freshman.
“Wherever he came from, they prepared him for this moment,” Tigers safety Andrew Mukuba said. “He’s been out here balling. He goes with the twos sometimes guarding guys like (Joseph) Ngata. … He doesn’t back down from any competition.”
Brannon Spector, WR
While Brannon Spector isn’t totally unknown, it’s been a while since he’s been able to show what he can do. Respiratory problems associated with COVID-19 sidelined him for the 2021 season. He played 180 snaps over 11 games the year prior, accumulating 136 yards on 16 receptions.
Now back and healthy, Spector had taken first-team reps during spring practice and has grown from the adversity he experienced a year ago.
“I see a more relaxed, confident Spec than what was before the injury,” Clemson wide receivers coach Tyler Grisham said. “I feel like he’s in a good head space and I feel like he’s more confident and having more fun.”
Aidan Swanson, P
Will Spiers graduating leaves an opening at punter that Aidan Swanson can fill. He served as the backup last season and kicked three punts over two games for a total of 116 yards and an average of 38.7 yards per punt.
The spring game will serve as an audition for the redshirt junior in hopes of winning the starting role. B.T. Potter returning, however, gives him some competition in the matter.
“If you asked me what question marks you have on the team, I’ve got one question mark coming out of spring, and that is who’s running out there first at punter,” Tigers coach Dabo Swinney said, “so to be determined. We’ll see.”
2022 Clemson spring football game
When: 1 p.m. Saturday
Where: Memorial Stadium
TV: ACC Network
Head coaches: Kyle Richardson (White), Mike Reed (Orange)
Honorary coaches: Christian Wilkins, Austin Bryant
Player coaches: Beaux Collins and E.J. Williams (receivers), Davis Allen (tight ends), Kobe Pace and Will Shipley (running backs)
This story was originally published April 7, 2022 at 11:59 AM.
