Clemson CB earning more playing time, will have surgery after season

Clemson freshman cornerback Jeadyn Lukus will need surgery after the season, Dabo Swinney announced Wednesday night during his teleconference.

Lukus has an issue with his shoulder. However, it is the opposite shoulder of the one that hampered him during the preseason.

“Something nagging we have to clean up when the year is over,” Swinney said.

While Lukus will need surgery down the road, he is still able to play for now.

The Mauldin native has been playing and practicing well recently and has earned more playing time.

After not playing in each of the previous two games, Lukus played three snaps this past weekend against Notre Dame.

His combination of size and speed could be beneficial for the Tigers down the stretch.

“He’s next man up. He’s been practicing well,” Swinney said. “He got banged up. He’s going to have to have a little surgery when the season is over, but he’s healthy enough to go play and he’s really practicing well.”

Sheridan Jones and Nate Wiggins started and played the majority of the snaps at corner against Notre Dame, but behind those two, Lukus was the first one off the bench.

“He’s kind of moved up into that second spot,” Swinney said. “Hopefully you’ll see more and more of him as we go down the season here.”

Clemson players ‘mad’ after Notre Dame game

Dabo Swinney said following the loss to Notre Dame that Monday would be tough for his team as the Tigers watched film and got back to work.

Swinney said earlier this week that it certainly wasn’t a fun day on Monday after Clemson lost by three touchdowns in South Bend.

“A hurt group. A mad group. Disappointed. Complete ownership,” Swinney said. “I saw what I wanted to see, and it’s good. Now it’s about us as coaches helping them have the right perspective, especially at a place like Clemson.”

Up next, Swinney wants to see his team channel that frustration the right way and come out and play well against Louisville on Saturday.

“There’s disappointment. But you have to have the right perspective as you go back to work, because if you don’t, then those bad moments define you,” Swinney said.

“You can’t let it do that. You’ve gotta let it develop you into what you’re capable of being as a team and as an individual player. And that’s what good teams do.”