Clemson offense 'ahead' of where Dabo Swinney expected it to be

CLEMSON — It was expected to be a slow process for the Clemson offense this spring as players and coaches learned Garrett Riley’s new system.

Instead, through the first half of spring practice, things actually moved pretty quickly.

“Coach Riley’s done a great job. We’ve got a lot in. We’ve actually been able to get a lot done,” Tigers coach Dabo Swinney said. “We’re ahead of where I thought we may be at this point – going in, a lot of new people, obviously doing some new things offensively. They’ve done a great job. The coaches have done an awesome job. Really, really pleased with where we are right now.”

Clemson completed its seventh practice of the spring on March 15, before taking a week and a half off for spring break.

The Tigers were back on the practice field on Monday, looking to build on what they accomplished during the first seven workouts of the spring.

Clemson has not only installed a good bit of the offense already, but the Tigers have also executed well and been clean with lining up and adjusting to a new snap count.

“It’s been really good. It’s been good to see us get things installed and the guys catch on to what we’re doing and having some fun,” Swinney said. “Probably the biggest thing is procedurally we’ve really been clean. So I’m just very encouraged by what we’ve been able to do to this point.”

Swinney gives a lot of credit to Garrett Riley for getting the offense installed quickly.

Riley worked with other Clemson assistants leading up to the start of spring practice to try and help them master the offense — that way they would be able to work well with their position groups.

Riley didn’t know the rest of the offensive staff prior to coming to Clemson, but the group has gelled well together.

“He’s great. They’re all about the same age, with the exception of [Kyle Richardson]. I guess he’s the oldest in the room. … But they’re all about the same. They all have great experience. It’s easy for them to communicate. You may call something different, but it’s still ball. But it’s been great – getting everybody on the same page,” Swinney said.

“That’s probably been the biggest thing, especially when you hire a guy coming in. And he really doesn’t know anybody – kind of like when I hired Brent [Venables]. He came in and I had a great staff. He did a good job. And the same thing with Garrett.”

Riley has been everything Swinney hoped he would be so far as he works to get the Clemson offense back to being elite.

“He’s really good. He’s got a great demeanor, and the biggest thing I like about Garrett is he’s very confident,” Swinney said. “And he’s really got great energy every single day. I love that about him, and that really resonates with everyone.”