Dabo Swinney wants to see more consistency from his team

By: Rixon Lane

The Clemson Tigers scrimmaged again today, and head coach Dabo Swinney is still looking for consistency on both sides of the ball.

Swinney said that the squad is still not performing consistently at a high level, including starting quarterback Tajh Boyd, who Swinney mentioned by name as not having a consistent spring. However, Swinney did say that Boyd had “one of his better days” at today’s scrimmage.

AUDIO: Dabo Swinney [2:28]

The offense improved throughout the scrimmage, according to Swinney, despite turning the ball over twice. Offensive coordinator Chad Morris called the turnovers “unacceptable,” but said the offense responded well, putting together several long drives.

AUDIO: Chad Morris [4:42]

On the defensive side of the ball, the Tigers started strong, but faltered late in the scrimmage. Defensive coordinator Brent Venables said he wants to see his defense have more of “an attitude” and a “sense of desperation.”

AUDIO: Brent Venables [5:52]

Clemson will have its spring game this Saturday at 4:00.

From Clemson SID:

Clemson, SC—Wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins had 160 receiving yards to key the offense, and linebackers Corico Hawkins and Tig Willard had seven tackles apiece to lead the defense during a football scrimmage at Clemson Memorial Stadium on Monday.  
It was the final full scrimmage for Dabo Swinney’s Tigers prior to Saturday’s Spring Game at Death Valley at 4 PM.  Admission is free and there will be no live television of the game. The game will be broadcast on the Clemson radio network.

Clemson Head Coach Dabo Swinney was please with his squad’s performance. “We showed improvement in a lot of areas, but we are still not consistent enough overall.  
“The defense started fast and the offense started slowly, then it switched the second half of the practice.
“Tajh Boyd got better today.  He responded and showed some leadership.  He made a couple of mistakes early (two interceptions), but came back to have one of his better days.
“The player of the day was Nuke Hopkins.  He has been the epitome of consistency.  He has played all spring like you need to play to be a top 10 program.  I was also pleased with Rod McDowell, and Tony McNeal had a good day, perhaps his best day of the spring.  Matt Porter is a walk-on with four years of eligibility and you are going to hear about him
“The offensive line did some good things.  Kalon Davis continues to improve and I think Tyler Shatley can be a difference maker.
“Defensive, Grady Jarrett has been consistent in the trenches along with DeShawn Williams.  Justin Parker is coming along at linebacker. He has been fun to watch improve and he is instinctive.   I am also excited about Bashaud Breeland and Darius Robinson in the secondary.  Darius has responded to competing against Sammy Watkins in practice.  Sammy is making Darius better each day.”
         

Boyd finished  the day 13-20 for 214 yards and a touchdown, a 13-yard scoring pass to Hopkins. He also completed an 89-yard pass to Hopkins coming off the goal line.  McNeal completed 3-7-76 yards, including a 54-yard scoring pass to Matt Porter.  Cole Stoudt was 4-7 for 31 yards and Morgan Roberts was 4-8-42 yards.
            

Andre Ellington led the rushers with six carries for 93 yards, while Rod McDowell had 7-49, including a 15-yard touchdown run.  Zac Brooks, a first-year freshman who entered in January, had five rushes for 26 yards. D.J. Howard had 5-17 rushing and Mike Bellamy had 7-17 rushing and a seven-yard reception.
            

Hopkins had 160 yards receiving on six receptions, while Sammy Watkins had 6-56.  Stanton Seckinger had four catches for 42 yards and Eric Mac Lain had 2-30. Porter had the 54-yard touchdown catch, plus two rushes for 25 yards.
            

The defense was led by the  aforementioned Hawkins and Williard  combination in the tackle department.  Parker had five tackles, as did defensive lineman Josh Watson.  Watson also had two tackles for loss, including a sack.  Corey Crawford had four tackles, including a sack, while DeShawn Williams had four tackles, including two tackles for loss.
            

Travis Blanks, a true freshman from Tallahassee, FL,  had a 27-yard interception return and senior Xavier Brewer also had an interception. Malliciah Goodman had a sack and a force fumble.