Clemson Tigers Ready to Pounce, Challenge in ACC in 2024

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The final day of the Atlantic Coast Conference Media Days in Charlotte, N.C., brought some of the schools getting the most media attention and positioned to challenge for the ACC title. The Clemson Tigers faced the media ahead of what should be a return to the national stage after a bit of a down season in 2023.

Coach Dabo Swinney, quarterback Cade Klubnik, linebacker Barrett Carter, running back Phil Mafah and safety RJ Mickens took their turns answering questions from the media on July 25. The energy from the coach and players speaks to how much the Tigers are ready to pounce in the 2024 season.

Tigers Ready to pounce

With the additions of Cal, Stanford and SMU, Swinney was asked about his thoughts on the evolution of the conference.

"Yeah, it's exciting times. I mean, obviously the footprint has changed," he said. "Super excited about the three new teams coming in. Creates a lot of new story lines, new opportunity. Obviously getting a chance to go to the West Coast, out to Texas as well, I think that's great for the league. Should be a lot of fun."

Swinney said having the opportunity to have a bye is appealing for the conference.

"The days of divisions and all that stuff are gone. It's always been about winning this league," he said. "I think that's the main thing. Now not only if you win the league, you have an opportunity to be in the Playoff, but you got a great chance to get the bye. I think that just makes it more exciting. More teams, more competition. It's going to be a lot of fun."

With the influx of quarterbacks from the Transfer Portal, Swinney said it was a blessing to have familiarity at the quarterback spot with Klubnik returning under center.

"Well, I mean, it's a blessing certainly when you have your starting quarterback back, for sure," Swinney said. "I mean, we've had great ones that have come in, it was their first year in our system, and have done well. It's always great when you're not starting over, and you've got a guy that's grown, had some experience under his belt. I mean, Cade is a great young man, a great talent. He's just blossoming right before our eyes physically and mentally, also as a leader."

Klubnik Working to Improve

With last season's production of 21 touchdowns and 12 interceptions, Klubnik said he has been working to better as a passer this offseason.

"Yeah, I think the first thing would be obviously getting to be in the same system again," Klubnik said. "I think being able to know the offense, I mean, it almost feels like the longer you're in a system, you know how to get through progressions faster, cancel out yes, no, pre-snap progressions, knowing when you're hot off of blitzes, knowing the protections better. That obviously comes with getting the ball out of my hand quicker. Less interceptions, less sacks, being able to make big-time plays with either my legs or throwing the ball downfield."

Mafah's Bowl Game Boost

Elevating to the lead back after splitting time in the backfield with Will Shipley, Mafah is eager to build off a strong performance in Clemson's bowl game.

"It definitely makes me look forward to the season, not only just individually but as a team, just seeing the way that we finished definitely gave us a lot of confidence for this year and going into the offseason and our preparation," Mafah said. "I definitely feel like that game has helped our team moral be boosted, allowed the guys to know we can win, we can be successful."

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With Klubnik returning as well, Mafah said their connection on and off the field is just getting better.

"My relationship with Cade has gotten great. We just took a trip down to Sea Island, spent a great time together, worshipping, fellowship. He's my brother in Christ. I love that dude," Mafah said. "He cares about this team so much. He's taken a great step this off-season just to get closer to the guys, help to bring unity within the offense and defense."