Dabo Swinney assesses Sherrod Covil, puts his potential in impressive company

Dabo Swinney sees the potential in Clemson safety Sherrod Covil.

Speaking with the media ahead of the ACC Championship Game, Swinney had a myriad of positive things to share about the young Tigers defender.

“He’s exactly what you’re looking for,” started Swinney. “Felt like he was, had a lot of immaturity within the program in the first part of the season. Really probably since probably the Florida State game, he’s kind of I think made a turn. Just kind of really got on a good groove on what he needs to do.

“He’s going to be a good one. He’s going to be a good player, and we need him.”

Continuing, Swinney compared Covil to a great Clemson defender in K’Von Wallace, who went on to have a career at the next level in the NFL.

“I think he can be better than K’Von, I really do,” answered Swinney. “I think he’s got some similar traits. He’s got a little bit of swag to him. He’s got a little bit of that fire in his belly that K’Von had. But I think he can be better. I really do. I mean, he’s got a lot of work to do. K’Von really became a great player. He really became a really, very mature kid in every area of his life. Covil’s not there yet.

“He’s still just a freshman that’s not, he just ain’t quite figured out you know, maybe it’s not that he’s not figured it out, maybe he just hasn’t quite made his mind up yet that this is what it’s going to take for me to be great on and off the field. Really committed to doing that. But you know, he’s young and he’s coming. He’s got a chance to be a really good player. He’s got to step up for us this week. No doubt about it. He’s going to have his hands full.”

As you can see, Dabo Swinney is a believer in the potential of Sherrod Covil, believing the sky is the limit for him. Time will tell how high Covil can fly, but it’s evident Swinney will push him as far as he can go.