------
MONDAY CLEMSON FOOTBALL NUGGETS
By: Larry Williams & Michael Neal
(Unedited due to time constraints)
MICKEY CONN (Larry)
-- Conn said he was most pleased with the improvement in defending screens. They weren't very good at it in the opener, then worse against Louisiana Tech.
-- I asked him for his diagnosis of all the big plays that have been allowed thus far. He said part of it is technique things, and they're also playing a lot of young guys. Said there are also some inexperienced safeties.
"Just got to get into the fire and learn."
-- In addition to five guys missing last week, Conn said the starting linebackers are relatively new. Add in the freshman corners, and "each play is a growth moment for us."
"Each play on defense right now has a life of its own."
-- RJ Mickens has graded really well and he's going to continue to play more. Conn said every time he's out there something big happens, including the razzle-dazzle interception that featured Mickens staying at home and being right where he was supposed to be. In addition, he's improved his tackling immensely. Conn said he's "smart and intellectual" and showing he's an asset.
-- They've played a lot of zone so far, and in man coverage he said they've got to do a better job of contesting in 1-on-1 situations.
"We're in phase. Just got to make better plays on the ball."
-- On the thought of Andrew Mukuba and Nate Wiggins playing at Wake Forest: Said that would be a big shot in the arm. The doctors are doing everything they can to get them ready. Said he thinks Sheridan Jones will be full go but he'd rather Dabo Swinney comment on that.
-- I asked him about the tackling from the secondary. Said it was not good against Georgia Tech. Better against Furman, and much better against Louisiana Tech.
-- He's telling Jalyn Phillips to just relax and have fun. Play with the confidence that you have. Go own it.
-- Saturday was a trial by fire for Toriano Pride and Jeadyn Lukus, but Conn believes they will make a big jump because of that experience.
-- He loved what he saw from Sherrod Covil. His reps will continue to go up.
-- He was asked what it would feel like to have all the defensive linemen available.
"It's going to feel real good," he said.
KJ HENRY (Larry)
-- The return to Winston-Salem is a big deal for Henry. He grew up a huge Wake Forest fan, largely because his father spent years as a defensive assistant for the Deacons.
"I had on a yellow wig, cheering like there was no tomorrow," Henry recalled.
Henry said he reminds Dabo Swinney that Wake Forest is the reason Swinney has the head-coaching job here (Wake beat Clemson 12-7 in 2008 and a few days later Tommy Bowden was done).
-- I asked Henry if this defense has been as dominant as he expected. He said definitely not, but he added that they're in a good place right now as far as getting where they want to go.
-- He said this defensive line has to be ready to wreak havoc early. Wake runs the slow-mesh read concept, and he said stopping it starts on the line of scrimmage.
"It makes you have to be patient. You have to stay in your gaps."
-- Henry said Sam Hartman has seen this defense a lot, so Clemson has to give him some looks he hasn't seen.
-- He was asked about the chunk plays this defense has allowed, and whether a lack of pressure has been a contributor.
He said Wes Goodwin informed the defense that Louisiana Tech's got the ball off an average of 1.8 seconds after the snap.
"Aaron Donald is good but I don't know if he's getting there in 1.8 seconds," Henry said.
Henry said the defensive line should see more drop-back passing from here, and that'll give them an opportunity to bear their teeth.
-- He's looking forward to seeing Bryan Bresee today. Said Bresee wants to make today all about football and getting back to it before his sister's funeral tomorrow.
Some of the players will be attending the funeral, including Henry. As far as when Bresee might return fully, Henry said they're letting him move at his own pace.
BRANDON STREETER (Larry)
-- He's happy that they've been able to start fast so far. First drive Saturday was a great drive. Also likes their balance. Pleased with how they've performed on third down, and in the red zone. If there's one thing he'd like to improve moving forward it's making some of the routine plays they're missing. They're leaving points and yards out there.
-- He thinks this offense is where it needed to be three games in. The most important thing going in was instilling confidence, and that has happened. When the guys are playing with confidence it allows the play-caller to open up the playbook even more.
-- He was asked if he wants Will Shipley to have more than 12 carries in a game (he's averaging 10.6).
He said it depends on the situation of the game, and who has the hot hand. Said it's a long season and they have to keep everyone healthy. Said Shiplely would carry it 45 times a game if they wanted him to. They're in a great spot with three really good backs.
-- Streeter was asked about not using the middle of the field against Louisiana Tech after doing so in the first two games.
Said it really depends on the game plan, and what the defense is giving them. He said they threw to Joe Ngata once over the middle and he dropped it.
Louisiana Tech was playing a lot of man with one high safety, and the way to attack that is attacking the edges.
He said the game plan always has routes over the middle of the field; it just depends on the quarterback's read and where he's supposed to go with the ball.
ADAM RANDALL (Larry)
-- He said Saturday was an amazing experience. He dreamed about that as a kid, and it was everything he expected.
-- He said he's 100-percent at everything including cutting, and he wouldn't be out there if he was anything less.
-- The ACL tear last spring was "devastating." Came in a non-contact situation. He just took a step and something went wrong. Didn't look like anything on film.
-- He spent just 10 days back home this summer. The rest was spent in Clemson rehabbing 2-3 hours a day.
-- Amari Rodgers was a great sounding board through the process, giving him advice on the recovery process.
JEREMIAH TROTTER (Michael)
-- He thought the linebackers so far this season have been playing really well. Said they've been really technically sound.
-- Wes Goodwin wanted to make defending the quick game a point of emphasis this week. He said they wanted to get that part of their defense fixed early on in the game. Having good eyes on the quarterback, and making sure they're in the right position led to numerous PBUs.
-- He watches film every Sunday with his dad. He gives pointers technically, and areas Jeremiah can work on. Said his dad is extremely technically focused.
-- On the interception: He said it felt good to contribute with a big play. Mentioned the ability to score off of the turnover was huge.
-- On facing Sam Hartman this week: He said their defense will certainly be challenged, important to "prepare with a purpose."
-- On Payton Page and his changes from year to year: Said he's worked extremely hard, and he respects Payton for that. He said it's definitely affected his game for the better.
PAYTON PAGE (Michael)
-- His weight when he came in was at 395. He said he had to work really hard to get it down to 317. COVID was a huge factor in his weight gain. Said he didn't get to play football or be active much at all. Was told he wouldn't see the field if he didn't lose weight.
-- On getting the opportunity to play: Said he knew he'd have to make the most of it.
"I knew my time was coming."
-- Was asked about the play where he was slow to get up. Said he's good to go. No issues.
-- He said he's excited to go back home. Couldn't remember the last time he'd been back.
-- He said this spring was the first time he really noticed the difference in his game after the weight loss. That was when he really gained his confidence back.
-- On injuries on defense: Obviously not ideal but it provides a good opportunity for guys to get playing time. Experience helps their confidence.
-- On Brian Bresee: Said he's doing everything he can to make sure Brian keeps a smile on his face. "Gotta make sure he's never down."
D.J. UIAGALELEI (Michael)
-- On Adam Randall: Exciting to see someone return that quick from an ACL injury. Said he wished they would've gotten him the ball more.
-- On Sam Hartman: Got the chance to work out with him this offseason. Hartman came out to California to work out. Said he's a great player and an even better man.
-- Said their confidence as a unit is in a good spot. Felt like they even left a little bit out on the field. But overall, is happy with where they're at.
-- On Beaux Collins: Thinks he's done a great job thus far. Said it's a testimony to his preparation and work ethic.
-- On his impact in the running game: Said it makes the offense a lot more versatile. For their offense to be successful, he has to be a factor in the run game. He wants to be able to be a threat on the ground. Said it takes the load off of the RBs. The more he runs, the more comfortable he gets.
-- He hasn't watched much of Wake yet, but is planning on doing that today. From what he's seen, he said they're a very fundamentally sound defense. Said he noticed their CBs making some good plays on the ball against Liberty.
-- He said it's nice to have the same guys out there every week. Continuity is important, and he said the offensive line has done an amazing job thus far.
-- On TD to Antonio Williams: He just tried to put the ball in a spot where Antonio could make a play, and he made an unbelievable catch. Said Antonio has been a spark for them on offense. Said he's easy to throw to.
BARRETT CARTER (Michael)
-- He's proud of the defense so far. Said there's a long way to go, but he thinks they've been great.
-- He knew they'd have to step up after last week. He said if they play "like we know how to play," they're going to be dominant.
-- On what he's seen from Wake Forest and Sam Hartman: They're a good team. They're very well coached. "We're gonna have to be on our A game."
-- On Payton Page: Tells Payton he looks "skinny" all the time. Said Payton is a whole different man, and is performing better and moving around better because of it. Said he's really proud of him.
-- On where he's improved: Focal point has been his leadership. He's tried to be more vocal. The coaches wanted that out of him this year.
-- On block/fumble play: Said the ball just fell into his arms. He thought he had an easy TD, and thought nobody knew he had the ball.
NOW AVAILABLE: 2022 NIKE Pegasus Shoes in stock at The Tiger Fan Shop HERE!
MONDAY CLEMSON FOOTBALL NUGGETS
By: Larry Williams & Michael Neal
(Unedited due to time constraints)
MICKEY CONN (Larry)
-- Conn said he was most pleased with the improvement in defending screens. They weren't very good at it in the opener, then worse against Louisiana Tech.
-- I asked him for his diagnosis of all the big plays that have been allowed thus far. He said part of it is technique things, and they're also playing a lot of young guys. Said there are also some inexperienced safeties.
"Just got to get into the fire and learn."
-- In addition to five guys missing last week, Conn said the starting linebackers are relatively new. Add in the freshman corners, and "each play is a growth moment for us."
"Each play on defense right now has a life of its own."
-- RJ Mickens has graded really well and he's going to continue to play more. Conn said every time he's out there something big happens, including the razzle-dazzle interception that featured Mickens staying at home and being right where he was supposed to be. In addition, he's improved his tackling immensely. Conn said he's "smart and intellectual" and showing he's an asset.
-- They've played a lot of zone so far, and in man coverage he said they've got to do a better job of contesting in 1-on-1 situations.
"We're in phase. Just got to make better plays on the ball."
-- On the thought of Andrew Mukuba and Nate Wiggins playing at Wake Forest: Said that would be a big shot in the arm. The doctors are doing everything they can to get them ready. Said he thinks Sheridan Jones will be full go but he'd rather Dabo Swinney comment on that.
-- I asked him about the tackling from the secondary. Said it was not good against Georgia Tech. Better against Furman, and much better against Louisiana Tech.
-- He's telling Jalyn Phillips to just relax and have fun. Play with the confidence that you have. Go own it.
-- Saturday was a trial by fire for Toriano Pride and Jeadyn Lukus, but Conn believes they will make a big jump because of that experience.
-- He loved what he saw from Sherrod Covil. His reps will continue to go up.
-- He was asked what it would feel like to have all the defensive linemen available.
"It's going to feel real good," he said.
KJ HENRY (Larry)
-- The return to Winston-Salem is a big deal for Henry. He grew up a huge Wake Forest fan, largely because his father spent years as a defensive assistant for the Deacons.
"I had on a yellow wig, cheering like there was no tomorrow," Henry recalled.
Henry said he reminds Dabo Swinney that Wake Forest is the reason Swinney has the head-coaching job here (Wake beat Clemson 12-7 in 2008 and a few days later Tommy Bowden was done).
-- I asked Henry if this defense has been as dominant as he expected. He said definitely not, but he added that they're in a good place right now as far as getting where they want to go.
-- He said this defensive line has to be ready to wreak havoc early. Wake runs the slow-mesh read concept, and he said stopping it starts on the line of scrimmage.
"It makes you have to be patient. You have to stay in your gaps."
-- Henry said Sam Hartman has seen this defense a lot, so Clemson has to give him some looks he hasn't seen.
-- He was asked about the chunk plays this defense has allowed, and whether a lack of pressure has been a contributor.
He said Wes Goodwin informed the defense that Louisiana Tech's got the ball off an average of 1.8 seconds after the snap.
"Aaron Donald is good but I don't know if he's getting there in 1.8 seconds," Henry said.
Henry said the defensive line should see more drop-back passing from here, and that'll give them an opportunity to bear their teeth.
-- He's looking forward to seeing Bryan Bresee today. Said Bresee wants to make today all about football and getting back to it before his sister's funeral tomorrow.
Some of the players will be attending the funeral, including Henry. As far as when Bresee might return fully, Henry said they're letting him move at his own pace.
BRANDON STREETER (Larry)
-- He's happy that they've been able to start fast so far. First drive Saturday was a great drive. Also likes their balance. Pleased with how they've performed on third down, and in the red zone. If there's one thing he'd like to improve moving forward it's making some of the routine plays they're missing. They're leaving points and yards out there.
-- He thinks this offense is where it needed to be three games in. The most important thing going in was instilling confidence, and that has happened. When the guys are playing with confidence it allows the play-caller to open up the playbook even more.
-- He was asked if he wants Will Shipley to have more than 12 carries in a game (he's averaging 10.6).
He said it depends on the situation of the game, and who has the hot hand. Said it's a long season and they have to keep everyone healthy. Said Shiplely would carry it 45 times a game if they wanted him to. They're in a great spot with three really good backs.
-- Streeter was asked about not using the middle of the field against Louisiana Tech after doing so in the first two games.
Said it really depends on the game plan, and what the defense is giving them. He said they threw to Joe Ngata once over the middle and he dropped it.
Louisiana Tech was playing a lot of man with one high safety, and the way to attack that is attacking the edges.
He said the game plan always has routes over the middle of the field; it just depends on the quarterback's read and where he's supposed to go with the ball.
ADAM RANDALL (Larry)
-- He said Saturday was an amazing experience. He dreamed about that as a kid, and it was everything he expected.
-- He said he's 100-percent at everything including cutting, and he wouldn't be out there if he was anything less.
-- The ACL tear last spring was "devastating." Came in a non-contact situation. He just took a step and something went wrong. Didn't look like anything on film.
-- He spent just 10 days back home this summer. The rest was spent in Clemson rehabbing 2-3 hours a day.
-- Amari Rodgers was a great sounding board through the process, giving him advice on the recovery process.
JEREMIAH TROTTER (Michael)
-- He thought the linebackers so far this season have been playing really well. Said they've been really technically sound.
-- Wes Goodwin wanted to make defending the quick game a point of emphasis this week. He said they wanted to get that part of their defense fixed early on in the game. Having good eyes on the quarterback, and making sure they're in the right position led to numerous PBUs.
-- He watches film every Sunday with his dad. He gives pointers technically, and areas Jeremiah can work on. Said his dad is extremely technically focused.
-- On the interception: He said it felt good to contribute with a big play. Mentioned the ability to score off of the turnover was huge.
-- On facing Sam Hartman this week: He said their defense will certainly be challenged, important to "prepare with a purpose."
-- On Payton Page and his changes from year to year: Said he's worked extremely hard, and he respects Payton for that. He said it's definitely affected his game for the better.
PAYTON PAGE (Michael)
-- His weight when he came in was at 395. He said he had to work really hard to get it down to 317. COVID was a huge factor in his weight gain. Said he didn't get to play football or be active much at all. Was told he wouldn't see the field if he didn't lose weight.
-- On getting the opportunity to play: Said he knew he'd have to make the most of it.
"I knew my time was coming."
-- Was asked about the play where he was slow to get up. Said he's good to go. No issues.
-- He said he's excited to go back home. Couldn't remember the last time he'd been back.
-- He said this spring was the first time he really noticed the difference in his game after the weight loss. That was when he really gained his confidence back.
-- On injuries on defense: Obviously not ideal but it provides a good opportunity for guys to get playing time. Experience helps their confidence.
-- On Brian Bresee: Said he's doing everything he can to make sure Brian keeps a smile on his face. "Gotta make sure he's never down."
D.J. UIAGALELEI (Michael)
-- On Adam Randall: Exciting to see someone return that quick from an ACL injury. Said he wished they would've gotten him the ball more.
-- On Sam Hartman: Got the chance to work out with him this offseason. Hartman came out to California to work out. Said he's a great player and an even better man.
-- Said their confidence as a unit is in a good spot. Felt like they even left a little bit out on the field. But overall, is happy with where they're at.
-- On Beaux Collins: Thinks he's done a great job thus far. Said it's a testimony to his preparation and work ethic.
-- On his impact in the running game: Said it makes the offense a lot more versatile. For their offense to be successful, he has to be a factor in the run game. He wants to be able to be a threat on the ground. Said it takes the load off of the RBs. The more he runs, the more comfortable he gets.
-- He hasn't watched much of Wake yet, but is planning on doing that today. From what he's seen, he said they're a very fundamentally sound defense. Said he noticed their CBs making some good plays on the ball against Liberty.
-- He said it's nice to have the same guys out there every week. Continuity is important, and he said the offensive line has done an amazing job thus far.
-- On TD to Antonio Williams: He just tried to put the ball in a spot where Antonio could make a play, and he made an unbelievable catch. Said Antonio has been a spark for them on offense. Said he's easy to throw to.
BARRETT CARTER (Michael)
-- He's proud of the defense so far. Said there's a long way to go, but he thinks they've been great.
-- He knew they'd have to step up after last week. He said if they play "like we know how to play," they're going to be dominant.
-- On what he's seen from Wake Forest and Sam Hartman: They're a good team. They're very well coached. "We're gonna have to be on our A game."
-- On Payton Page: Tells Payton he looks "skinny" all the time. Said Payton is a whole different man, and is performing better and moving around better because of it. Said he's really proud of him.
-- On where he's improved: Focal point has been his leadership. He's tried to be more vocal. The coaches wanted that out of him this year.
-- On block/fumble play: Said the ball just fell into his arms. He thought he had an easy TD, and thought nobody knew he had the ball.
NOW AVAILABLE: 2022 NIKE Pegasus Shoes in stock at The Tiger Fan Shop HERE!
