The easiest way to describe Clemsonfootball’s fall camp might be simple: there is a lot less being said.
Dabo Swinney has spent years entering August with an upbeat tone and plenty to discuss. This time around, the Tigers’ head coach has been noticeably more guarded. Practice access is tighter, information is harder to come by and even some of the biggest questions surrounding the roster aren’t getting much attention publicly.
That includes the battle between Chris Vizzina and Tait Reynolds at quarterback.
“Just a bunch of nobodies,” Swinney said. “We will see if anybody becomes somebody as we play some games.”
That response probably says more about Swinney’s mindset than any detailed camp update could.
Clemson is trying to recover from a season that fell well below expectations, including a 1-3 start. The Tigers have also developed an uncomfortable trend in Week 1, losing three straight season openers.
With that backdrop, Swinney appears to have little interest in selling optimism before Clemson proves anything on the field.
Even the team’s first scrimmage will have a different feel. Attendance is being limited primarily to former players and their families, another example of Clemson closing ranks as September approaches.
The Sept. 5 trip to LSU would normally provide plenty of material. The Death Valley connection alone makes it one of the more interesting openers on the schedule. Swinney, however, isn’t biting.
“It has nothing to do with the game,” Swinney said. “Just focus on the game. Focus on getting ready to go play a ballgame.”
Former Clemson star quarterback Nate Wiggins escaped serious injury
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He doubled down on that point.
“All that other stuff, I mean, everybody can talk about it or make something of it. It has nothing to do with the game. We just got to get ready to play a great opponent in a tough environment. So that is really what our focus is, and we’ve got a long way to go.”
Whatever Clemson’s season eventually becomes, Swinney is clearly approaching the buildup differently. After last year’s struggles, that change may be exactly what he wants.
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This article originally appeared on Clemson Wire: Clemson’s Dabo Swinney emphasizes focus in fall camp, not expectations