How Dabo Swinney ensures his playmakers get enough touches

When Dabo Swinney was the interim coach for Clemson in 2008, the Tigers offense struggled during the first half of a game.

As it turns out, there was a reason for that.

Clemson’s top playmaker — star running back CJ Spiller — had touched the ball only two times.

“I’m like, ‘What is wrong with us? We’ve lost our mind here,'” Swinney recalled Wednesday. “I ended that. I’m like, ‘We’re gonna have us a touch chart here, and I’m gonna make sure that we’re forcing the ball where it needs to go and giving guys the opportunity to make plays.’ So I’ve just always kept up with that.”

For years, Swinney’s sons were in charge of keeping track of touches. Now it’s a staff member who has that responsibility.

Swinney acknowledges that play calling is important, but he also believes that simply getting the ball to the right player is a big part of having a successful offense.

“It’s not plays, it’s players. Let’s make sure we’re getting those players an opportunity to touch the ball,” Swinney said. “So I’ve just always been mindful of that.”

The touch chart will likely be relied on a little more throughout the rest of the 2022 season, beginning this weekend against Wake Forest.

Clemson was heavily favored in each of its first three games against Georgia Tech, Furman and Louisiana Tech, so it played more guys and spread the ball around a good bit. But the Tigers are only favored by 7 for Saturday’s game at Wake Forest.

The first priority for this weekend will likely be to get Will Shipley the ball.

Clemson’s sophomore running back has already rushed for 249 yards and six touchdowns through three games while averaging 7.8 yards per carry.

Getting freshman receiver Antonio Williams more opportunities is also a priority as he is currently tied for the team lead in catches with 9 for 133 yards and a score.

“We’re really pleased with Antonio and he has proven that he can be a guy that we can count on,” Swinney said. “The lights aren’t too bright.”

Other receivers Swinney wants to get the ball to include Beaux Collins, Adam Randall, Joseph Ngata, Brannon Spector and EJ Williams.

Dacari Collins likely would have made the list as well, but he left the program earlier this week.

“We’ve got five or six guys at receiver that we feel great about. We’re in a good spot. Obviously getting Adam back is huge and continuing to get him going. Ngata’s making some plays, and it’s been good to see that. Antonio — he’s a very alert kid and a very instinctive guy,” Swinney said.

“Beaux’s the same way. Beaux’s had two touchdowns off of scrambles. And that’s how you win. Players make plays. … We’ve got a good little group of guys that I think can go and win.”