Dabo Swinney reveals how new additions will fit into Clemson football in spring practice

Posted by author March 1, 2025 Football

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CLEMSON — Clemson football took the field Friday for the first time since losing to Texas in the first round of the College Football Playoff.

The Tigers went 10-4 last season to win the ACC championship and end their three-season CFP drought. They have greater expectations for 2025 and beyond after they retained multiple key starters, including quarterback Cade Klubnik, and added a wealth of players and personnel to its program this offseason.

Coach Dabo Swinney spoke about these key additions and more as Clemson commenced its spring practice:

How Kevin Kelly, new coaches and transfers have fit into Clemson football

Clemson hired Kevin Kelly as its director of player evaluation and acquisition on Feb. 7. He has more than 20 years of NFL experience as a talent evaluator.

Swinney said he has known Kelly for more than 12 years and considers him “one of the best” when it comes to evaluating a player’s talent and intangibles. Kelly will work in recruiting and retention with Clemson general manager Jordan Sorrells.

“This guy’s been a decision-maker at the highest level,” Swinney said.

Swinney also added former North Carolina wide receivers coach Lonnie Galloway as an offensive analyst and former East Carolina coach Mike Houston as a defensive analyst. Both have decades of experience and will be unpaid coaches for Clemson this season.

“It’s nice to have good people at any time, but it’s great to have free, good people,” Swinney said.

Clemson also added three transfers: wide receiver Tristan Smith, defensive end Will Heldt and linebacker Jeremiah Alexander. Swinney said their transition has been “great,” and not different from bringing in new freshmen.

Clemson football will experiment with some players’ positions

Swinney said multiple players will try out new positions this spring. He previously announced wide receiver Adam Randall will move to running back to see if he could find his niche there.

Swinney announced wide receiver Misun Kelley will play at cornerback, specifically at nickel. He has recorded five catches for 27 yards in two seasons with Clemson. Swinney said the change will allow the team to evaluate him at a different position and see if he fits better there.

Tight end Markus Dixon will be worked as a defensive end this season. He has not logged an offensive statistic in his two seasons at Clemson, and Swinney wants to see what a position change will do for his career.

Dabo Swinney provide injury updates on Jay Haynes, Olsen Patt-Henry

Swinney announced multiple players are dealing with injuries: Running back Jay Haynes, who tore his ACL in the ACC championship in December, is out for the spring.

That removes him from the competition to be Clemson’s No. 1 running back this spring. Randall, Keith Adams Jr., Jarvis Green, David Eziomume and 2025 signee Gideon Davidson will vie for that spot.

Tight end Olsen Patt-Henry is currently out with a shoulder injury. He is expected to start at tight end after Jake Briningstool’s eligibility expired. In his absence, Josh Sapp, Christian Bentancur and 2025 signee Logan Brooking will get more opportunities this spring.

Other notable injuries include: defensive tackle Stephiylan Green (sports hernia surgery); cornerback Jeadyn Lukus (shoulder); offensive lineman Walker Parks (shoulder); and offensive lineman Elyjah Thurmon (ankle).

Derrian Carter covers Clemson athletics for The Greenville News and the USA TODAY Network. Email him at dcarter@gannett.com and follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter, @DerrianCarter00