Dabo Swinney names most improved players on Tigers roster

College football coaches like Dabo Swinney are paid millions to maximize the talents of all their players year in, year out. The best coaches make sure their players improve year to year.

Who are some of the most improved players on the Clemson football roster?

Let’s take a look at some notes below from his press conference with reporters on Wednesday.

Ajou Ajou

Clemson wide receiver Ajou Ajou is a physical freak. He’s 6-foot-4, 220-pounds and has an 83-inch wingspan. The Canadian has drawn rave reviews for his performance this past spring for the Clemson Tigers. He led all receivers with six catches for 102 yards and a touchdown in the Tigers’ spring game in April.

Dabo spoke about Ajou when he got up to 240 pounds at one point.

“That’s kind of what I told him, he’s either gonna be Terrell Owens or Shannon Sharpe. You’re gonna have to be one of the two. And I think he could be either one. I really do,” Swinney said. “What he didn’t tell you when he was 240, he was about 10 percent body fat. Just a freak. Unbelievable.”

The Clemson head coach also explained how Ajou’s body has transformed since he got to Clemson.

“He’s never really trained like he’s trained here, lower body, and putting on a bunch of muscle,” Swinney said. “He’s just in great shape. He’s probably about five percent body fat and confident. He and Jaelyn Lay are two of the most improved players we have on offense, without question.”

Jaelyn Lay

Jaelyn Lay is a massive tight end at 6-foot-6, 270-pounds. His body is a better fit for a blocking tight end, but he demonstrated to Clemson’s coaches in the spring that he’s worthy of more targets in the passing game.

In the Tigers’ spring game, Lay hauled in six interceptions with 39 receiving yards, good enough to tie with Ajou Ajou and Joseph Ngata for the most receptions in the game.

“I need to see Jaelyn put his hat on somebody once we get some live ball, but just fundamentally and all that stuff,” Swinney said. “That’s easy. If you ask me who’s the two most improved guys I’ve seen on this offense. Jaelyn has really improved and Ajou–incredible. He’s gonna help us in a big way.”

Ruke Orhorhoro

On the defensive side of the ball, Dabo Swinney was raving about Clemson’s defensive tackle who is originally from Lagos, Nigeria, Ruke Orhorhoro.

“I’d probably just have to say Ruke,” Swinney said. “He’s just missed a lot of time. He’s a guy, that if I had to pick one guy that I think has got the chance to have a great season, I’d go with Ruke. He’s ready to be a guy to step up with the veterans…Ruke has made big strides.”

Ruke has three cousins that have played or are still playing college football; Michael Ojemudia (Iowa), Mario Ojemudia (Michigan) and Ovie Oghoufo (Notre Dame). The quality athletic bloodlines run in the family.

He was born in Nigeria and came to the US when he was nine years old. The 6-foot-4, 295-pounder attended River Rouge high school in Michigan. Ruke was rated as the 15th best overall player in the state of Michigan according to Rivals.com. He was rated as a three-star prospect in the 2019 recruiting class, according to 247sports.com.