Dabo Swinney makes bold claim about Wake Forest’s place in college football landscape

The Clemson Tigers have a huge test this week as they take on Wake Forest. Clemson will travel up to North Carolina to take on the No. 21 ranked Demon Deacons. Ahead of Saturday’s matchup, Tigers head coach Dabo Swinney spoke about the upcoming contest and the direction of the Demon Deacons program. Swinney explains Wake Forest’s place in the college football landscape and makes a bold claim about the program in the process.

“Wake Forest is a top-20 program. I mean, they are,” said Swinney. “It’s a place that has proven they know how to win and they maximize what they have. And I think, continuing to invest in football, they realize that football is a great front porch for their university as well. So, Wake Forest is an outstanding program. I don’t see that changing.”

Since Dave Clawson took over the program in 2014, Wake Forest has steadily risen. After two 3-9 seasons to start his tenure, Clawson has led the team to a minimum of seven wins every season, excluding the 2020 COVID lockdown year. Last season was the Demon Deacons’ best under his leadership. Wake Forest finished the year with an 11-3 record and a win against Rutgers in the Gator bowl.

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Clemson has been running the conference over the past half-decade. And with former Florida State head coach Jimbo Fisher taking off to Texas A&M, the Tigers haven’t had much of a challenge in the ACC. But with Wake Forest showing a strong level of consistency as of late, Clemson might have found a partner strong enough to help them keep the ACC as one of the better conferences in college football.

Swinney reacts to Dacari Collins leaving Clemson program

Swinney took some time to also comment on the departure of wide receiver Dacari Collins on Wednesday during his press conference.

“I don’t think he liked where he is on the depth chart,” Swinney said. “Again, that’s 2022. That’s really not much of a story anymore to me, to be honest with you. That’s going to be an every year deal in college football.”

As a freshman, Collins had an impressive 16 catches for 221 yards. However, this season, he was a backup on the depth chart. He caught one pass for eight yards versus Furman before opting to pursue other options.

The Atlanta native has three years of eligibility remaining. Swinney also shared his well-wishes for Collins as he moves on to the next program of his choice.

“Great kid. Great kid. Really good kid,” Swinney said. “And very talented. A really talented player and has a bright future. He’s just gotta continue to mature and grow and really commit to being the best he can be. But he can do it, for sure.

“He loved his time here and appreciates everybody. Just guys aren’t patient much anymore,” Swinney said. “That’s the world we live in. Just wish him well and keep moving.”