Dabo Swinney addresses possibility of Justin Mascoll returning next season

No. 5 Clemson is cruising in 2022, having knocked off ranked and previously unbeaten division foes Wake Forest and NC State the last two weeks, with the defense turning in its most impressive outing of the year against the Wolfpack. One member of that defense is a fifth-year senior already, but coach Dabo Swinney addressed the possibility of edge rusher Justin Mascoll returning to Clemson in 2023 this week.

Mascoll arrived at Clemson in 2018 and took a redshirt. But there’s still an outside possibility he could choose to play for the Tigers yet again in 2023.

“Yeah, I mean he’s got a COVID year. I don’t know (if he will use it),” Swinney said. “He’s a graduate, as well. He’s going to have an opportunity to play at the next level for sure. He is so much better.”

Mascoll has started one game for the Tigers this season and has logged 14 tackles, 1.5 tackles for a loss and a pass breakup.

However, Swinney credited him with making serious strides as a player.

“He’s always been a very physical guy, that’s been a very natural thing for him, but just the details of the game, offensive recognition, tendencies, formations, tips, just that aspect of the game from a football IQ standpoint, I mean he has come a long way,” Swinney said. “He’s a lot like (Xavier Thomas) in that way. I’m really proud of him, but yeah, he certainly could (return).”

Swinney not focused on possibility of Justin Mascoll returning right now

Naturally, Swinney’s attention was elsewhere when asked about the possibility of Justin Mascoll returning for another season.

His Tigers are trying to lock down the ACC Atlantic division and parlay a conference title into another College Football Playoff appearance. Clemson has back-to-back road trips to Boston College and Florida State upcoming, with both games at night in front of enemy fans.

NFL decisions, extra COVID years, all those things can wait.

“All these guys, they’re just focused on winning,” Swinney said. “We get them all evaluated and give them the information and then we see what decisions there are. The good news is if he doesn’t like his information he will have that option.

“We’ve got what, one or two more years of that opportunity, which I think has been good for a lot of kids.”

Clemson and Boston College will kick off Saturday at 7:30 p.m. ET with a broadcast on ABC.