Clemson’s preparations for the 2022 season officially began Friday when the Tigers held their first practice session at preseason camp. The first seven periods were open to media viewing.
Here are some observations of the offense from the observation periods:
Much like he did in his suit while doing the rounds at last month’s ACC Football Kickoff in Charlotte, quarterback DJ Uiagalelei looked noticeably slimmer after losing weight this offseason. He weighed 234 pounds this week. Bryn Tucker ran on the right flank with the first team during the tempo phase while Mitchell Mayes handled the second team’s reps there. The remainder of the first-team offensive line consisted of left tackle Jordan McFadden, left guard Marcus Tate, center Will Putnam and right tackle Walker Parks. Joining Mayes with the twos up front were Tristan Leigh (left tackle), John Williams (left guard), Trent Howard (center) and real freshman Blake Miller (right tackle) Beaux Collins, who lined up at outside receiver along with Joseph Ngata. Brannon Spector, EJ Williams, and even Jake Briningstool (in four-receiver sets) at the end were back in the slot. Will Taylor ran into the slot with the second team. Williams, who missed spring after undergoing knee surgery, was in no way restricted. Taylor (ACL surgery last fall) wore a splint on his right knee. Another positive development for Adam Randall: The freshman receiver, who is recovering from his ACL surgery this spring, performed despite wearing a yellow non-contact jersey (with a brace on his right knee) and not participating in any drills. During the viewing hours he worked part-time with a trainer. Receiver Troy Stellato wore a green jersey (limited edition) and only competed in individual practice. Clemson coach Dabo Swinney said Stellato will likely be sidelined for at least a couple of days with a hamstring injury. Swinney sprinted to receivers once during individual drills and worked closely with the group on her footwork and releases. That’s not unusual for the former receivers coach. A few notes on the special teams: Taylor, Collins, Stellato, running back Will Shipley, and freshman receiver Antonio Williams were among those who returned as punt returns. The kicks themselves weren’t that great. BT Potter, Aidan Swanson and the rest of the players struggled to gain much distance with their boots, with balls touching the ground well before the returners or the returners running at the last second to catch them. It’s the one position that Swinney says will remain his biggest question mark as camp begins.