Trevor Lawrence – Noteworthy
Clemson coach Dabo Swinney moved up and down the rows of Tigers players, patting their shoulder pads and helmets as the national champions got ready for practice. “We’re back,” Swinney said. “Good to be back.” Less than two months after winning its second national title in three years, Clemson began its journey to what it hopes is another chance to finish on top. “We were the last time to walk off in college football” last season, Swinney said Wednesday. “And we’re the first or one of the first to get back on it.” Clemson finished modern major college football’s first 15-0 season with a dominant 44-16 victory over Alabama in Santa Clara, California, on Jan. 7.
The Tigers will have work ahead of them with seven defensive starters from that game either done with their eligibility like tackle Christian Wilkins and end Austin Bryant or, in the case of defensive linemen Dexter Lawrence and Clelin Ferrell, linebacker Tre Lamar and cornerback Trayvon Mullen, surrendering their remaining time in college to enter the NFL draft. On offense, though, the Tigers should be loaded, led by Trevor Lawrence, who went 11-0 as a freshman starter and is considered a strong Heisman Trophy contender this fall. – AP College Football
Tavien Feaster – Noteworthy
Clemson running back Tavien Feaster said prior to the Cotton Bowl that he was unsure if he would play for the Tigers in 2019 or transfer to another school. The senior was at Clemson’s first practice of the spring on Wednesday, taking reps behind starting running back Travis Etienne, but it sounds as if Feaster’s future with the Tigers is still up in the air. “I’m out here every day grinding with the fellas, one day at a time, just keep putting God first and just take advantage of what I get out here,” Feaster said following Wednesday’s workout when asked if he would for sure play for Clemson in 2019. “For right now I’m locked in,” the Spartanburg native said.
If Feaster does indeed play for the Tigers in 2019, Tigers coach Dabo Swinney expects the former highly-rated recruit to have a big season. Feaster had 78 carries for 440 yards and six touchdowns in 2018 while battling injuries. “This is the best he’s ever been in every area. Incredibly focused and confident right now, has worked his tail off,” Swinney said. “He’s one of the guys that the guys see as a leader. It’s fun to see guys kind of grow and mature and transition. But he’s got the eye of the tiger.I really like the look that I see in him right now and his body language. I think when it’s all said and done, if we can stay healthy, we can have as good a backfield as anybody in the country.” Feaster acknowledged that the 2018 season was tough on him, and he is anxious to see what 2019 has in store. – The State