Running backs impressive in Clemson’s scrimmage

Clemson running back Wayne Gallman doesn’t look like the same guy who broke the school’s single-season rushing record last year on his way to being named first-team All-ACC, according to Dabo Swinney. Instead, the Tigers coach said after Wednesday’s situational scrimmage that the junior looks even better.

“It’s just amazing, to be honest with you,” Swinney said. “But that’s what confidence and maturity and success and work will do for a guy.”

Clemson practiced at Death Valley with the offense and defense put in game situations, such as first-and-10, third-and-long, etc.

The running backs group, featuring Gallman and including Tyshon Dye, Adam Choice, C.J. Fuller and Tavien Feaster, was impressive, Swinney said.

Dye led running backs coach Tony Elliott’s unit, finishing with six carries for 43 yards, while Feaster had the long run of the day, sprinting for 34 yards.

“No matter who we roll out there, those backs are doing what we ask them to do,” Swinney said. “Tony’s done a great job with that group. From top to bottom, it’s a different dynamic right now in that backfield, and I love that. They’re all competing.”

Even though Swinney was impressed with Feaster, he is ready to see the freshman hit another gear when he gets out in the open field.

“His first run would’ve probably been a 60-yard touchdown. Instead it was about a 30-yard run because he was just cruising a little bit,” Swinney said. “He’s got to learn to cut it loose a little more, but he’ll get there.”

Banged up

Clemson had several players miss Wednesday’s practice with injuries, most notably center Jay Guillermo, who suffered a concussion earlier this week.

There is no timetable for when the leader of the offensive line will return to practice.

“There’s a protocol, and you don’t mess around with that, so when they say he can come back, he can come back,” Swinney said.

In addition to Guillermo, defensive back Ryan Carter missed Wednesday’s practice with a banged-up shoulder, and linebacker Jalen Williams and cornerback Marcus Edmond were out with hamstring injuries.

The one positive to having so many guys banged up is the Tigers are getting younger guys more reps.

“We’ve really had to challenge guys, and guys have taken advantage of that opportunity,” Swinney said.

Powell making plays

Clemson has a veteran group of wide receivers returning, but that doesn’t mean young wideouts can’t get in the mix for playing time.

One freshman trying to do so is Shrine Bowler Cornell Powell of Greenville, N.C. The 6-foot, 200-pounder caught four passes for 68 yards in the scrimmage.

“A young guy that jumped out at me was Cornell Powell,” Swinney said. “A strong, strong young guy. He’s very raw. He’s got a lot to learn, but he makes plays. He breaks tackles. Even when he’s not technically sound, he gets himself in a position to make a play … Cornell, I thought he shined today.”

Penalty problems

While there were plenty of standouts in the scrimmage, there were also many penalties.

“A lot of offsides, pass interference, holding, just some sloppy penalties. We had some procedural issues on both sides,” Swinney said. “This will be a really good tape and good film for these guys to learn and grow from.”

This story was originally published August 10, 2016 at 6:05 PM.