Dabo Swinney is modifying his tactics and adjusting to the new college football scenario.
Swinney had long been reluctant to using the transfer portal, which was established in 2018, despite the desire to improve Clemson’s roster with incoming talent from other collegiate teams. That changed Monday, when the Tigers secured their first-ever non-quarterback transfer portal commitment.
Former Southeast Missouri State wide receiver Tristan Smith revealed Monday that he would be entering Clemson through the portal, a significant addition for both the Tigers and Swinney.
Since 2021, Clemson has had 43 athletes leave the program through the transfer portal. During the same period, only two athletes joined the Tigers through the portal: quarterbacks Hunter Johnson and Paul Tyson, neither of whom played any major snaps for the university.
Smith, a junior, made 76 receptions for 934 yards and six touchdowns in 2024. He also had a running touchdown on his only carry out of the backfield. He’ll be an important weapon for Cade Klubnik if the Clemson quarterback returns for a third season.
Leave a Reply