The next two opponents, Troy and South Carolina State, could be termed “cupcakes”, but the opener against Auburn is important.
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Bryant played in 13 games a year ago and played 219 snaps. Coach Dabo Swinney says Bryant was hurt during practice Monday night and had surgery yesterday.
In Bryant’s absence, Clemson will use Christian Wilkins – a freshman All-American at defensive tackle last season – more frequently at end, where he often worked during spring drills as the Tigers looked to replace Lawson and Kevin Dodd, both of whom left school after last season to enter the NFL Draft.
According to Nikki Hood of TigerNet.com, the hope for Bryant is that he will only be sidelined for three games with him possibly coming back for the Tigers game at Georgia Tech on September 22. He showed promise as a true freshman past year, especially when he had to replace an injured Lawson in the College Football Playoff Semifinal at the Orange Bowl against Oklahoma.
Swinney talked about the defensive end plan going forward.
Clemson defensive lineman Christian Wilkins said after Tuesday’s practice that he has been learning defensive end all through camp just to be ready. “He is very athletic”. I am very proud of what Richard Yeargin has become.
Swinney also gave praise to Chris Register as he is one of the most improved players on the team. Clelin Ferrell has also had a terrific fall came. The team will have Wednesday off as the team and the rest of Clemson University attend the first day of classes.
“Hate that for Austin”, Swinney said. It has been nothing but football. There is a lot of energy on campus about the season.
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The Tigers will hold a final scrimmage Thursday afternoon, have season prep practices on Friday and Saturday, then have Auburn-specific preparation starting on Monday.
