Clemson’s offense is still in the early stages of learning Chad Morris’ system, and by Dabo Swinney’s own description, it has already been a strain.
That’s not surprising in August. Fall camp is always a grind, and Clemson is still working through the limited practice window before the season begins. The Tigers are set for their first full-tackle periods Aug. 12, then a scrimmage Aug. 15, with the South Carolina heat adding another layer to the work.
The bigger adjustment, though, is the pace. Morris’ offense asks a lot physically and mentally, and Clemson players are feeling that immediately.
Morris is back in Clemson after more than a decade away, and from 2011-2014 his up-tempo approach helped spark the run that turned into a successful decade under Swinney. Now the Tigers are relearning what it takes to operate at that speed.
“It’s been tough. It’s tempo, it’s fast,” SMU transfer running back Chris Johnson Jr. said Aug.
- “It’s hot right now, so everybody’s trying to get acclimated with the heat.
But that’s what we run, so you got to get used to it. … It’s new for everybody.
It’s Day 4, and we haven’t been on the field like that during the summer. I feel like as camp goes on and days stack up, we’ll get better at it.”
Swinney said the early returns have been encouraging, even with the demands of the scheme.
“It’s really strained them,” Swinney said. “You can see that they really have bought in because he’s really pushing.
We’ve installed a ton. … Chad’s been awesome, but the kids have to buy into it, and they’ve done a good job of that.”
He pointed to the value of having so many players around during spring practices, and noted that some of the work is happening away from the field too as the group tries to get comfortable with the system on its own time.
Several Clemson players seem to like what the offense can become once the details settle in. They’ve described a unit that fits their strengths and puts the ball where the playmakers can do damage.
“I definitely see a change in the tempo, the tempo is crazy, like explosive, very explosive, and it’s been exciting since I’ve been back,” receiver T.J. Moore said. “That’s the main goal, is to get the ball to the playmaker.”
Running back Gideon Davidson, who played last season in Garrett Riley’s system, said there’s real value in being able to play fast.
Clemson has spent its first five practices of camp installing the offense, and Saturday’s scrimmage will be the first real test of how much of it has stuck. Swinney said the group is handling the process the right way.
“It’s kind of interesting to see how they’re going to push through, and I thought they’re doing what we need them to do right now,” Swinney said. “You walk it, you talk it, you hear it, you see it, you go do it. Then you study and review, and then you go at it again.”
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