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MONDAY CLEMSON FOOTBALL NUGGETS
By: Larry Williams & Michael Neal
(We will continue to update this post with additional quotes & video; partial transcripts below unedited)
D.J. UIAGALELEI (Michael)
-- He said the luxury of having a premier tight end room makes his job a lot easier. He said the guys they have at tight end have complete skill sets, and are able to block and catch at high levels.
-- On his interception: He said he wished he would've thrown it away. Said his focus at that point was his ability to respond. He said he feels like he's gotten better at being able to respond to adversity this year.
-- He's excited to get the chance to play at Florida State. He's never gotten to play there, or been to a game there, and he's excited for the atmosphere.
-- He said he attributes his confidence as a runner to his ability to stay healthy (mentioned not having to wear a knee brace), as well as comfortability in the running game. Said he's able to easily read blocks from their offensive line because they're playing so well. He said if the run game's working, they're going to use it.
-- He mentioned how effective Kobe Pace is in multiple facets of the game, and how they're going to miss him to injury. Said Kobe does a lot of things well in the pass game and run game, and he's explosive.
-- Was asked if there are instances where he felt like he could have pulled the ball instead of handing it off. He said he agreed, that there were times he wished he would've pulled it. He said going into the game, he doesn't have an idea of what he's going to do in those scenarios. He reads the defensive end and takes what the defense gives him. He said the Boston College's defensive ends made it tough to make those decisions.
-- He said Florida State's defense has gotten a lot better this year, and has done a good job of getting pressure on the QBs.
WES GOODWIN (Larry)
-- Said the cornerbacks have been trending up the past two weeks. It's been a huge learning process for everyone involved.
-- Andrew Mukuba played safety last week and corner the week before. His role will continue to vary depending on the game plan.
-- They weren't sure of Xavier Thomas' availability until kickoff. He brought a lot of speed off the edge. His quickness is uncommon. Cool to see his patience pay off.
-- Every week is a new challenge, a new game plan. The story to date has been him learning what his guys can do best, and even learning more about himself.
I asked him to elaborate on that last part and he gave an interesting answer. Said he's learned how to be more demanding while not being demeaning. That often comes on the practice fields when he has to raise the intensity level. He said he's also learned to block out all the outside noise, to focus on the process, and not worry about the opinions of folks on the outside.
Said his players also have developed a better understanding of his play calls, and more cohesion has come from that.
-- Nate Wiggins' technique on the end-zone PBU was excellent and was one of the biggest plays of the game.
-- I asked him about Trenton Simpson's transition from SAM backer to WILL. He said it's been a difficult process as Simpson has learned how to be a box player. Your vision is a lot different at that spot. What you're keying on is different as well. The challenge has been just getting a feel for the whole game, including run fits that will produce a big play if you miss on one.
He said he loves Simpson's progress and believes he's becoming more natural at the position.
-- He said FSU QB Jordan Travis has grown as a passer since last year. His mobility and ability to improvise with his legs makes for a difficult challenge. The defense has to be sound in keeping its attention on scramble lanes.
-- Said Tre Williams is very hard to block and quick-twitch. He adds value to the defense when he's in there.
-- He noted that the longest run this defense has allowed is a 25-yard scramble by Wake QB Sam Hartman. The Tigers have allowed just 12 runs of 10 yards or more, the fourth-fewest nationally.
-- Goodwin said the defense needs to continue to work on limiting explosive pass plays. They've allowed 25 of 20 yards or more, ranking 118th nationally in that statistic, and 10 of 30 yards or more.
-- Said he brought much more pressure than normal last week against BC.
BRANDON STREETER (Larry)
-- The drops have continued, including the big one by Beaux Collins on the first drive at BC, but Streeter said that's somewhat offset by the receivers' ability to make contested plays down the field. Said he still has total confidence in Collins.
-- He agreed that second down is an area they need to improve. Been a lot of second-and-long, and he said their normal protocol is to try to get at least half of those yards back to create a manageable third-down situation. Said they have to do a better job of play-calling on second downs, and also a better job of executing.
-- Said they're in a pretty good spot with the running game right now. The OL is getting better in a lot of areas, though they did miss a few plays that slowed the running game down. He's very pleased with the toughness this OL has shown. He's also happy that DJ has been such a willing runner.
-- DJ's decision on the interception was "very poor," but the important part was he owned it and stayed positive while looking ahead.
-- Said they're going to miss Kobe Pace and his experience and leadership. They have a lot of confidence in Will Shipley and Phil Mafah.
-- Blake Miller continues to get more confident with experience. Very coachable.
"I mean he's a nasty kid."
Miller did make a couple of mistakes in the running game that he needs to correct, but impressed with how much he's critiquing himself.
-- Streeter was asked why they can't duplicate what they showed on the last drive for an entire game.
"Great question," he said.
He told his players after the game that he wishes life were easy, but if it were you wouldn't learn much about yourself.
-- He was asked to elaborate on what slowed the running game down at BC. he said it was one or two guys not doing their job. Sometimes an offensive lineman, sometimes a bad give-pull read by the quarterback. The result was more three-and-outs than they're used to having.
MIKE REED (Michael)
-- Told us he's seen corners take "tremendous steps". They've been detailed in their preparation, and it's shown the past couple weeks.
-- Said it was a wake up call for Toriano Pride to go from about 15 snaps per game to roughly 45. Said he was ready for it, and it's been encouraging to see how much he's grown.
-- He said their ability to block kicks has been a product of the players effort, firstly, as well as the preparation and knowledge Coach Eason has brought to that aspect of the game. The coaching staff has stressed that this is not a play to take off, and the players' effort in these situations says a lot about their character and competitiveness.
-- He said he told Jaedyn Lukas that playing at Clemson is much different than playing in high school. He said in high school, you can't be casual in practice, and the practice tempo was an adjustment for him. Said Jaedyn is responding well to the coaching he's getting here.
-- Was asked about Andrew Mukuba and how they use his skill set. Said Andrew is extremely athletic and competitive, and has played corner in the past. He said when you have a player with the type of skill set Andrew does, you can plug him into multiple positions. Mentioned the importance of cross-training, and their emphasis on it in their coaching.
TRE' WILLIAMS (Michael)
-- On his body transformation: When he got to Clemson, he weighed 292 pounds, with roughly 25% body fat. Now, he weighs about 300 but with much less body fat. Said he lost about 25 pounds during COVID.
-- Mentioned the influence of Coach Eason and how Eason changed the way he plays. Said Coach Eason and him focused on getting vertical, and using his athleticism to his advantage.
-- Said last year he played through two dislocated shoulders and broken foot before he was shut down.
-- On the influence of Tyler Davis: He said the biggest things he's learned from Tyler is the way he prepares off the field. Coming into Clemson, he had no idea how to prepare against offensive linemen or how to watch film. He said Tyler would bring him along to his film study and teach him how he goes about preparing for games.
-- He said this is the best shape he's ever been in, physically and mentally. Attributes that to his preparation last offseason.
-- He said last year, there would be times where he was struggling in terms of stamina, having to play 70+ plays per game. This year, the depth and flexibility of the offensive line has allowed him to have faith in the guys behind him, and for them to play better as a whole.
DEALS on officially-licensed CLEMSON gear at THE TIGER FAN SHOP HERE!
MONDAY CLEMSON FOOTBALL NUGGETS
By: Larry Williams & Michael Neal
(We will continue to update this post with additional quotes & video; partial transcripts below unedited)
D.J. UIAGALELEI (Michael)
-- He said the luxury of having a premier tight end room makes his job a lot easier. He said the guys they have at tight end have complete skill sets, and are able to block and catch at high levels.
-- On his interception: He said he wished he would've thrown it away. Said his focus at that point was his ability to respond. He said he feels like he's gotten better at being able to respond to adversity this year.
-- He's excited to get the chance to play at Florida State. He's never gotten to play there, or been to a game there, and he's excited for the atmosphere.
-- He said he attributes his confidence as a runner to his ability to stay healthy (mentioned not having to wear a knee brace), as well as comfortability in the running game. Said he's able to easily read blocks from their offensive line because they're playing so well. He said if the run game's working, they're going to use it.
-- He mentioned how effective Kobe Pace is in multiple facets of the game, and how they're going to miss him to injury. Said Kobe does a lot of things well in the pass game and run game, and he's explosive.
-- Was asked if there are instances where he felt like he could have pulled the ball instead of handing it off. He said he agreed, that there were times he wished he would've pulled it. He said going into the game, he doesn't have an idea of what he's going to do in those scenarios. He reads the defensive end and takes what the defense gives him. He said the Boston College's defensive ends made it tough to make those decisions.
-- He said Florida State's defense has gotten a lot better this year, and has done a good job of getting pressure on the QBs.
WES GOODWIN (Larry)
-- Said the cornerbacks have been trending up the past two weeks. It's been a huge learning process for everyone involved.
-- Andrew Mukuba played safety last week and corner the week before. His role will continue to vary depending on the game plan.
-- They weren't sure of Xavier Thomas' availability until kickoff. He brought a lot of speed off the edge. His quickness is uncommon. Cool to see his patience pay off.
-- Every week is a new challenge, a new game plan. The story to date has been him learning what his guys can do best, and even learning more about himself.
I asked him to elaborate on that last part and he gave an interesting answer. Said he's learned how to be more demanding while not being demeaning. That often comes on the practice fields when he has to raise the intensity level. He said he's also learned to block out all the outside noise, to focus on the process, and not worry about the opinions of folks on the outside.
Said his players also have developed a better understanding of his play calls, and more cohesion has come from that.
-- Nate Wiggins' technique on the end-zone PBU was excellent and was one of the biggest plays of the game.
-- I asked him about Trenton Simpson's transition from SAM backer to WILL. He said it's been a difficult process as Simpson has learned how to be a box player. Your vision is a lot different at that spot. What you're keying on is different as well. The challenge has been just getting a feel for the whole game, including run fits that will produce a big play if you miss on one.
He said he loves Simpson's progress and believes he's becoming more natural at the position.
-- He said FSU QB Jordan Travis has grown as a passer since last year. His mobility and ability to improvise with his legs makes for a difficult challenge. The defense has to be sound in keeping its attention on scramble lanes.
-- Said Tre Williams is very hard to block and quick-twitch. He adds value to the defense when he's in there.
-- He noted that the longest run this defense has allowed is a 25-yard scramble by Wake QB Sam Hartman. The Tigers have allowed just 12 runs of 10 yards or more, the fourth-fewest nationally.
-- Goodwin said the defense needs to continue to work on limiting explosive pass plays. They've allowed 25 of 20 yards or more, ranking 118th nationally in that statistic, and 10 of 30 yards or more.
-- Said he brought much more pressure than normal last week against BC.
BRANDON STREETER (Larry)
-- The drops have continued, including the big one by Beaux Collins on the first drive at BC, but Streeter said that's somewhat offset by the receivers' ability to make contested plays down the field. Said he still has total confidence in Collins.
-- He agreed that second down is an area they need to improve. Been a lot of second-and-long, and he said their normal protocol is to try to get at least half of those yards back to create a manageable third-down situation. Said they have to do a better job of play-calling on second downs, and also a better job of executing.
-- Said they're in a pretty good spot with the running game right now. The OL is getting better in a lot of areas, though they did miss a few plays that slowed the running game down. He's very pleased with the toughness this OL has shown. He's also happy that DJ has been such a willing runner.
-- DJ's decision on the interception was "very poor," but the important part was he owned it and stayed positive while looking ahead.
-- Said they're going to miss Kobe Pace and his experience and leadership. They have a lot of confidence in Will Shipley and Phil Mafah.
-- Blake Miller continues to get more confident with experience. Very coachable.
"I mean he's a nasty kid."
Miller did make a couple of mistakes in the running game that he needs to correct, but impressed with how much he's critiquing himself.
-- Streeter was asked why they can't duplicate what they showed on the last drive for an entire game.
"Great question," he said.
He told his players after the game that he wishes life were easy, but if it were you wouldn't learn much about yourself.
-- He was asked to elaborate on what slowed the running game down at BC. he said it was one or two guys not doing their job. Sometimes an offensive lineman, sometimes a bad give-pull read by the quarterback. The result was more three-and-outs than they're used to having.
MIKE REED (Michael)
-- Told us he's seen corners take "tremendous steps". They've been detailed in their preparation, and it's shown the past couple weeks.
-- Said it was a wake up call for Toriano Pride to go from about 15 snaps per game to roughly 45. Said he was ready for it, and it's been encouraging to see how much he's grown.
-- He said their ability to block kicks has been a product of the players effort, firstly, as well as the preparation and knowledge Coach Eason has brought to that aspect of the game. The coaching staff has stressed that this is not a play to take off, and the players' effort in these situations says a lot about their character and competitiveness.
-- He said he told Jaedyn Lukas that playing at Clemson is much different than playing in high school. He said in high school, you can't be casual in practice, and the practice tempo was an adjustment for him. Said Jaedyn is responding well to the coaching he's getting here.
-- Was asked about Andrew Mukuba and how they use his skill set. Said Andrew is extremely athletic and competitive, and has played corner in the past. He said when you have a player with the type of skill set Andrew does, you can plug him into multiple positions. Mentioned the importance of cross-training, and their emphasis on it in their coaching.
TRE' WILLIAMS (Michael)
-- On his body transformation: When he got to Clemson, he weighed 292 pounds, with roughly 25% body fat. Now, he weighs about 300 but with much less body fat. Said he lost about 25 pounds during COVID.
-- Mentioned the influence of Coach Eason and how Eason changed the way he plays. Said Coach Eason and him focused on getting vertical, and using his athleticism to his advantage.
-- Said last year he played through two dislocated shoulders and broken foot before he was shut down.
-- On the influence of Tyler Davis: He said the biggest things he's learned from Tyler is the way he prepares off the field. Coming into Clemson, he had no idea how to prepare against offensive linemen or how to watch film. He said Tyler would bring him along to his film study and teach him how he goes about preparing for games.
-- He said this is the best shape he's ever been in, physically and mentally. Attributes that to his preparation last offseason.
-- He said last year, there would be times where he was struggling in terms of stamina, having to play 70+ plays per game. This year, the depth and flexibility of the offensive line has allowed him to have faith in the guys behind him, and for them to play better as a whole.
DEALS on officially-licensed CLEMSON gear at THE TIGER FAN SHOP HERE!
