A key transfer defensive tackle's injury rocks Clemson's spring practices, casting a shadow over promising secondary additions and an evolving offense.
Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney is trying get his newly reconstructed team on the same page during the team's 15 spring football practices.
The Tigers added a ton talent in the transfer portal after finishing the 2025 campaign with a 7-6 record.
In addition to roster moves, Clemens parted ways with offensive coordinator Garrett Riley and brought in new offensive coordinator Chad Morris, who has not called plays since 2020.
The offense, in the midst of a quarterback battle with a new offensive coordinator, is getting most of the national attention this offseason.
But an injury to the defense is a cause for concern this spring.
Defensive tackle Kourtney Kelly was a big get in the transfer portal for Clemson.
During his show on Sunday, Josh Pate noted that an injury to Kelly during practice this spring is a cause for concern for the Tigers.
"Kourtney Kelly is a transfer defensive tackle," Pate said. "And he looks to be out for a little while now.
“I don't know how long it's going to be, but that's a pretty big hit for them."
Pate did hear some good things about the defense. Clemson's secondary is expected to be much better after landing explosive help in the transfer portal.
"One of the encouraging things that you keep on hearing from a couple of different people now is when Tom Allen came in there and took over as DC last year, they went through the year," Pate said.
"One of his quick observations was 'We're not fast enough in our secondary...' And they went and targeted specifically speed in the secondary and they brought in some guys there."
Pate did note that the offense is having a hard time adjusting to the tempo of Morris' new offense. Swinney suggested last week that the terminology is much different than what Riley used.
The new offense will be something to keep an eye on before the spring game on March 28.
The Tigers need to work out their problems in practice and have a good showing in the spring game before taking a break before training camp this summer.