Clemson Football: News and notes one week out from the opener – Rubbing the Rock

White squad punter Aidan Swanson(39) takes a snap to punt during the first quarter of the 2022 Orange vs White Spring Game at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina Apr 9, 2022; Clemson, South Carolina, USA; at Memorial Stadium. Ncaa Football Clemson Spring Game
This time next week we’ll be enjoying Labor Day festivities and waiting for Clemson football to finally kick off the season as the last game of week 1.
As I’ve mentioned ad nauseum, be ready because once it kicks off it moves fast, with the second game 5 days later, the first 3 games in 12 days and no bye week until the last Saturday in October.
I’ve gathered some notes that I thought I’d share, but you’ve likely heard many of these before either here or on another site, so most of this is not new, but mainly just reinforcement of what you’ve previously heard.
We have to start with the quarterback, of course, and it appears D.J. Uiagalelei has had a good camp from all indications.  The coaches are saying the right things, the players are saying the right things and D.J. is saying the right things.  It just has to happen once he gets on the field and his teammates need to do their part, too.
I think it’s crucial the offense gets off to a good start, not necessarily for the outcome of the game, but for D.J.’s mindset.  We don’t want “Oh, no here we go again” to get into his head, because after last season, it may never get out.
Certainly not a quarterback whisperer, but it seems like D.J. needs to make quicker decisions with conviction.  On many occasions last season he appeared hesitant and unsure.  That has to change.
How much or how little Cade Klubnik sees the field will certainly be the talk among Clemson fans and media.
From everything I’ve heard, from multiple people I’ve talked to and listened to, expect the offensive line to be bigger and more athletic and this is tied to new offensive line coach Thomas Austin.
It also sounds like it’s a done deal and true freshman Blake Miller will be starting at right tackle, with Walker Parks moving inside.
The line play is going to be must see TV for me Monday night as they have been praised consistently in camp and it’s time to perform when the lights are on.
Just a reminder that the center will have exactly 0 snaps at that position and there’ll be a true freshman at right tackle.
We’ve consistently heard the linebackers will be faster and more athletic and perhaps even “better” than last year’s group, at least in coverage.  This is kind of a mystery group to me and I can’t wait to see them in action.
Earlier in the week, freshman Wade Woodaz was tagged as a new face that may get some playing time as a true freshman and while that’s been tamped down just a bit because of the talent in front of him, Woodaz will still likely play in 2022.
It’s going to be different on defense without Brent Venables on the sidelines and Wes Goodwin is going to have to earn the trust that Venables earned and while it isn’t going to happen all in one night, having this group as the first defense you have coordinated will certainly help.
At punter, the name Aidan Swanson seems to be the most likely to go out first and I have to admit as a left-footed kicker I’m intrigued.
Much was made of the first, horrid, day of camp when the punters struggled, but Jason Priester of AllClemson.com is of the opinion the issues were overblown and it was an over reaction of fans.  Go figure fans overreacting.
Still, you’re entrusting a big part of the game to a young man with 8 career punts, so until it happens on the field there’ll be questions from fans.
More to come as the week goes on, I’m sure.
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