--Recruiting Tristan Smith was a quick process. Two wide receivers left, and although they weren’t initially looking for a guy, their departure created a need for depth. The high school recruiting phase was over, and there wasn’t anyone else they thought they could target.
--Dabo noted that Clemson has signed a player out of the portal three of the last four years and will use it when they can’t address a need through high school. They’re currently tracking players at defensive end for a similar reason.
--They were looking for something specific, and Smith brought that. They really like his length, and Dabo thinks his best football is ahead of him.
--Smith could potentially travel with the team this weekend. There’s a process to get admitted, so it’s unclear if he’ll join them at this time. If Clemson wins, you’ll see him pretty quickly.
--Smith has one guaranteed year of eligibility left. There are waivers being granted, so there might be a process to extend it, but including his freshman year at JUCO, where he didn’t play much, he has one year left.
--They’ve been preparing for Texas OL Kelvin Banks Jr, to play after he missed the SEC Championship. Dabo says he’s “excellent”—physical, well-coached, and experienced.
--Mafah is “doing great,” had a good week in practice, and is ready to roll.
--Dabo said Sherrod Covil Jr. did everything right in terms of handling his transfer process. He came to Dabo 8-10 days before the ACC Championship to discuss it. Covil still suited up for the USC game and the championship because he wanted to finish strong. Dabo appreciated how he handled everything and hopes he lands in a good spot.
--Covil is off the roster as of now.
--Dabo noted that Clemson has signed a player out of the portal three of the last four years and will use it when they can’t address a need through high school. They’re currently tracking players at defensive end for a similar reason.
--They were looking for something specific, and Smith brought that. They really like his length, and Dabo thinks his best football is ahead of him.
--Smith could potentially travel with the team this weekend. There’s a process to get admitted, so it’s unclear if he’ll join them at this time. If Clemson wins, you’ll see him pretty quickly.
--Smith has one guaranteed year of eligibility left. There are waivers being granted, so there might be a process to extend it, but including his freshman year at JUCO, where he didn’t play much, he has one year left.
--They’ve been preparing for Texas OL Kelvin Banks Jr, to play after he missed the SEC Championship. Dabo says he’s “excellent”—physical, well-coached, and experienced.
--Mafah is “doing great,” had a good week in practice, and is ready to roll.
--Dabo said Sherrod Covil Jr. did everything right in terms of handling his transfer process. He came to Dabo 8-10 days before the ACC Championship to discuss it. Covil still suited up for the USC game and the championship because he wanted to finish strong. Dabo appreciated how he handled everything and hopes he lands in a good spot.
--Covil is off the roster as of now.
