Dabo Swinney shares pride in Clemson players in NFL

Before Dabo Swinney and his Clemson Tigers took down the Kentucky Wildcats at the 2023 TaxSlayer Gator Bowl over the weekend, the national championship-winning head coach was asked about three of his former players who are now stars on the scene in Jacksonville. Former Clemson center Tyler Shatley, quarterback Trevor Lawrence and running back Travis Etienne are trying to help the Jaguars clinch their second straight playoff this weekend against the Tennessee Titans.

Before the game, Swinney heaped praise on his former players for the job they’ve done to turn the Jaguars around over the past three seasons.

“Man, super proud of those guys. Really proud of ’em,” Swinney said. “Got a chance to see Shatley the other day, a couple of his kids.

“Tyler was in my first signing class. He was part of the Dandy Dozen. All 12 of those guys graduated, doing really good in life. He’s still playing. He’s the last man standing of that group. I guess this is, I don’t know, year 10 or something like that for him. Captain. Pretty good for a free agent guy, to stay with the same team. Really proud of him. I think he’s been a good big brother to those guys as they’ve come into the fold here.”

Jaguars hunting second straight playoff berth

In Week 17, quarterback Trevor Lawrence missed his very first NFL start as he continues rehabbing an injury to his throwing shoulder. The young star with the statement hair has battled several injuries this season and lost the last four games. Backup QB CJ Beathard came in for Week 17 to help the Jaguars break their losing streak and keep playoff hopes alive for Week 18.

“Trevor, I mean, he’s Trevor,” Swinney said. “The guy’s a great winner. I know they’ve lost a couple games here. I talked to Coach Pederson the other day, as a matter of fact, they’ve had a couple tough games. They’re right there in the hunt. Just need to find a way to win one and go from there.

“He’s been beat up and banged up. He’s just one of those guys that keeps coming. That’s what you love about Trevor. I’ve always said that about him. He looks like Hollywood, but he’s the most un-Hollywood guy you’d ever come across. The kid loves to play. He loves to play, loves to prepare. He’s a grinder. He’s got a long, long, long career ahead of him.”

Travis Etienne is on pace for his second 1,000-yard rushing season in his third year in the league. He has 951 yards going into Week 18, along with a career-high 11 touchdowns. Last season, he posted 1,125 yards with five scores.

“Etienne, I mean, he’s one of the most explosive players at this level, just like he was at our level,” Swinney said. “Really proud of him. Obviously he missed his first year. Seeing what he did last year, he’s had some big moments this year, as well. Same thing. As long as he’s healthy, he touches the ball, good things usually happen with that guy.”

“Really proud of ’em, how they’ve instilled a lot of life into Jacksonville,” Swinney concluded. “The Jags got a bright future with that group, for sure.”