Clemson begins spring practice with national title in mind
Theoretically, the standards are as big as a college football team dares to dream.
Clemson returned to practice Monday not just dreaming, but believing it can be national champion, knowing how close it came seven weeks ago.
A national championship was within Clemson’s reach. For a few minutes that night in Glendale, Ariz., Clemson had the lead and the ball, but couldn’t protect either. Though there was no shame in losing that game to Alabama by five points and finishing No. 2 in the final polls, Dabo Swinney was eager to get back on the field because he believes this team has a chance reach the summit.
“Today’s about trying to get to No. 1.” Swinney said Monday shortly before the team went back on the field.
Swinney said it was the shortest turnaround he remembered. One player pointed out that by starting spring drills in February, the team had practiced in seven consecutive months.
“We’ve had a great and fast offseason – if you will,” he said. “I think we’ve done a great job of evaluating ourselves and really getting a good plan together for what we want to accomplish this spring.”
This will be a relatively young team with only 22 scholarship juniors and seniors. The strengths will be in deep, experienced lines and an impressive stable of offensive skill players, including All-America quarterback Deshaun Watson, a finalist for the Heisman Trophy as a sophomore.
With the turnover, Watson assumed an even larger leadership role. Swinney said he quickly saw results with Watson, center Jay Guillermo and linebacker Ben Boulware shouldering larger roles, shepherding the team through winter conditioning.
“I’ve already seen a good chemistry and transition in leadership. I’m very encouraged,” he said. “It think the biggest thing about this team is that it’s going to have much more competitive depth than it had last year.”
One year ago, Watson watched spring drills while he recovered from knee surgery. Injuries had interrupted his freshman season and he was eager, but there were questions about his durability. Charged with protecting Watson, left tackle Mitch Hyatt had been in school a month and had not practiced day. Walk-on receiver Hunter Renfrow, “an August folk hero,” was hoping to earn playing time, even if he didn’t earn a scholarship. Greg Huegel, the grocery store kicker, was not on the roster.
If there are plans for significant changes this spring, Swinney didn’t betray them. Clemson recruited well again, quickly restocking a secondary depleted by several defections to the NFL.
Seven players enrolled in January, including defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence,who stands 6-foot-5 and 340 pounds. Longtime Clemson sports information director Tim Bourret compared him to Chester McGlockton, a first-round draft pick by the Raiders in 1992.
“I really don’t have words to describe Dexter,” Swinney said.
Sophomore receiver Deon Cain won’t practice as he works back from a suspension, but senior Mike Williams returned to practice after missing most of the season after sustaining a neck injury in the first game.
Watson was not perfect last season, though much of what’s required to take his game to another level requires acknowledgement and further attention to detail.
If nothing else, Swinney said, the experience last season left them wanting more.
“I think it’s one thing to think that you’re good enough,” Swinney said. “I think it’s another thing to dream about something. And I think it’s another thing to experience it.
“There’s really nothing like the experience of it, and the knowledge that comes with that. I’ve seen a great focus and a hunger from these guys through the offseason,” he said. “I think they all understand just how small that margin of error is.
“Again, we finished No. 2. We’d been climbing, trying to get to No. 1. That’s what everybody’s objective is. There’s no satisfaction on this football team. That’s what I like.”
This story was originally published February 29, 2016 at 8:48 PM with the headline "Clemson begins spring practice with national title in mind."