Dabo Swinney addresses Will Taylor's progress since returning to football

Clemson’s Will Taylor is ready to make his transition back from the diamond to the gridiron. The Tigers wide receiver has also played baseball since his arrival at the school. A torn ACL during his freshman season held him back but after playing in 13 games for Clemson baseball in the spring. Now he’s back in fall camp for Dabo Swinney’s team ahead of the 2022 season.

Swinney discussed Taylor’s return to the program during media at Monday’s practice. He says Taylor has looked good coming off the injury and now it’s about refining his skillset back to his skill position.

“(Taylor) has been good. Quick. Explosive. It’s only three days in but everyday he’s learning. He’s like a sponge out here. What I love about him is he’s got everything,” said Swinney. “He’s so explosive. We’re just really technically polishing him up and really learning all the nuances to play the position. Physically he looks great. I’m really, really pleased with what I’ve seen out of him.”

Taylor has shifted from being a quarterback to being a wide receiver for Dabo Swinney. His only production in college since the shift has been a handful of touches on offense and as a returner on special teams. As a baseball player, he hit .260 and one home run with a .320 slugging percentage. He also posted a .397 on-base percentage.

Taylor showed little to no drop off in his play from his injury as a two-sport athlete. With him showing his skills on the baseball field, Swinney says he is ready to continue his work with Taylor at his new position on the football field.

“He’s been great. We made that (transition) last year so he’s been great. Still just a lot of teaching,” Dabo Swinney said.

Clemson may bring Taylor along slowly with his return to Memorial Stadium. With that said, it sounds like he’s a go after a solid season of baseball. His skillset at wideout and Swinney’s respect of Taylor may make him an option for DJ Uiagalelei to count on as the Tiger’s opener versus Georgia Tech is right around the corner.