COLUMBIA, S.C. -- Dabo Swinney is ready to face the future without C.J. Spiller, but the Clemson coach is more confident about life after his star player.
Spiller, the Tigers' record-setting senior tailback, put on a remarkable display to help the Tigers (9-5) win the Atlantic Coast Conference's Atlantic Division and reach their first league championship game.
But along with rushing for 1,212 yards, scoring a record 21 touchdowns and setting an NCAA mark with seven career kickoff return TDs, Spiller was grooming his replacements.
Swinney is confident that backups Andre Ellington and Jamie Harper are ready to carry that load and push Clemson to bigger success in 2010.
Spiller ``has given everything he's had to Clemson University and I'm excited to see him take the next step,'' Swinney said. ``I know he's got an exciting future, but we've got other great players and I think C.J. did a great job in really mentoring them the last year or so.''
That showed in Clemson's 21-13 victory over Kentucky at the Music City Bowl last Sunday night. Harper rushed for 79 yards and the go-ahead touchdown. Ellington broke through the tiniest of holes to gain significant yardage. Both will have increased roles next fall.
``I think anybody's who's watched us play, it (would) be hard to argue that Andre Ellington and Jamie Harper aren't capable backs,'' Swinney said.
Spiller thinks they are and said as much after the bowl. He's happy for whatever part he played in establishing Clemson's future.
``I hope I was a good example for the younger guys,'' Spiller said.
Swinney is confident his younger guys can take similar steps forward in his second full season. Besides losing Spiller, Clemson may have to deal with the possibility of freshman quarterback Kyle Parker walking away this summer after the Major League Baseball draft.
Parker, a power-hitting outfielder and designated hitter for the Tigers the past two years, is eligible to turn pro after next spring, meaning that his promising first year as Clemson's quarterback could be his only one.
One-time wunderkind Willy Korn has already announced his transfer and freshman Tajh Boyd is recovering from knee surgery.
Swinney, however, said he'd be surprised if Parker didn't return. If he does, Parker should have a more experienced offensive line in front of him with just graduate student Thomas Austin expected to leave. Sophomore Dwayne Allen figures to fill in for senior Michael Palmer, who set a Clemson tight end record with 43 catches.
Swinney acknowledged he and his staff will need to find reliable playmakers at receiver. Jacoby Ford, a senior, was the team's top receiver with 56 catches for 779 yards and six touchdowns. Xavier Dye, with 14 catches, was the only returning receiver among Clemson's top eight pass catchers.
On defense, Swinney says the question is how to boost a system that worked well at times, but had a penchant for breaking down at the worst possible moments. Clemson gave up 223 yards rushing in a loss to South Carolina, then 333 on the ground a week later in its ACC championship game defeat to Georgia Tech.
The defense loses experience in defensive end Ricky Sapp, and cornerbacks Chris Chancellor and Crezdon Butler, all senior starters.
Swinney thinks returning players will benefit greatly for a second year in coordinator Kevin Steele's system. A big hole could be filled once safety DeAndre McDaniel finalizes his plans for next year. McDaniel, a junior with eight interceptions this year, could find himself a first-day selection if he jumps to the NFL.
Swinney chose not to discuss those Tigers who petitioned the NFL about their draft status. After a visit with family in Birmingham, Swinney is ready for what's next.
``I'm fired up everyday that I get up,'' he said. ``I love being at Clemson, I love the players that I've got, and I'm excited about the future.''
Friday
April 26th, 2024
5:58PM
