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WATCH: Clemson football players take part in offseason internship program

Chandler Vesselsby:Chandler Vessels05/09/22

ChandlerVessels

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John Byrum/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

With spring camp behind them, several Clemson football players are taking advantage of an offseason internship program offered by the Tigers. On Monday, the football team posted a video update on Twitter, with players checking in from New York City, Myrtle Beach and even out of country in the United Kingdom.

Players featured in the video included receiver Hamp Greene and linebacker Sergio Allen, who were together in the United Kingdom. Coach Dabo Swinney’s son, Drew Swinney, also appeared in Myrtle Beach, where he reported that he was enjoying an internship with Elliott Beach Rentals. As for the several players who made a trip to NYC, they took part in an internship with the NFL.

The players received this opportunity as a part of the P.A.W. Journey program, described on Clemson’s website as “a leadership initiative that holistically develops Clemson Football scholar athletes through personal growth, life skills and professional development.” Dabo Swinney started the program in 2008, when he was still an interim head coach with the Tigers.

The acronym stands for “Passionate About Winning,” and the program consists of different pillars specializing in specific skillsets. The micro-internships are part of the “5th quarter” pillar, which focuses on entrepreneurial spirit, professional development and creating employment opportunities.

“Through micro-internships, we collaboratively create intensive opportunities that offer our student leaders an arena to showcase their cross-industry intangibles while refining their skills in practical corporate settings,” the Tigers website reads.

Former Clemson running Darien Rencher, who was a member of the team from 2016-21, participated in the internship program while he was with the Tigers. He also took to Twitter Monday to express his support for the program and what it offers to young student athletes.

“Beyond the wins, this is what makes (Clemson Football) different & special,” he tweeted.

The Tigers are coming off of a 10-3 finish in 2021, and will look to make it back to the College Football Playoff in 2022 after missing for the first time in six seasons this past year. Clemson will open the season on Sept. 5 against Georgia Tech.