Tight ends face a steep learning curve in Clemson's revamped offense, demanding complex reads and versatility. Swinney highlights their crucial, multifaceted role.
Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney knew he needed to make a change on offense after last year's disappointing 7-6 season.
Swinney moved on from offensive coordinator Garrett Riley and brought back Chad Morris to call plays.
Morris has not called plays since 2020, so the early part of the season could be an adjustment for Clemson. Spring practice has been key for Morris and the offense to get on the same page.
When speaking to reporters on Saturday, Swinney explained that the offense could be challenging for tight ends. Olsen Patterson Henry and Christian Bentancur will have their hands full learning the offense.
“Tight end is really hard in this scheme," Swinney said, via Tiger Net. "This scheme produced a Mackey Award winner. There's not many people that have that. And this is what Dwayne Allen was playing in when he won the Mackey. But the tight ends do a lot in this offense.
"There's a lot. And you really have to understand the big picture of the play so you understand where your launch points are, because you want a motion to have an ability alignment. So you want a motion to that ability alignment. But you got to really understand the play to be able to do that."
Swinney noted that tight ends in the new offense must have a strong grasp of the opposing defenses. They have to be ready to jump between going in motion to being a pass protector.
Earlier this spring, Swinney suggested Morris' offense was a breath of fresh air for Clemson. Morris uses terminology Swinney is more familiar with.
"It’s not new to me,” Swinney said. “It’s like I’m back in America after living in Spain for three years. … It was fun to learn something different and all that. But, yeah, I’m living back in Pelham, Alabama, you know?”
The changes and offense could help Clemson return to the physical identity they had when the program was chasing national championships.
Tight ends will play a critical role of bringing physicality for Clemson, helping to provide a strong run blocking presence.