Football
TRANSFERS SHINE AS OFFENSE BEATS DEFENSE 33-15 IN CLEMSON ORANGE & WHITE GAME
- 2025-04-08 15:22:27
0
CLEMSON, SC - Much has been made of Dabo's abstention from using the transfer portal like every other team in the FBS. He had brought in a just a few transfers over the years, and they were backup quarterbacks. Personally, I have not held it against him as many others have. Although I think the Tigers could have benefitted by bringing in a superstar here or there like the other power programs have all done, including Georgia, Alabama and Ohio State, I can't fault Dabo for liking his roster and the players he recruited enough to not cut them to make room for transfers. Most of the players that he has lost to the portal have been backup players and have been replaced either by incoming freshman or the next man on the depth chart.
However, Dabo had needs in a couple of areas this year due to holes in the roster, and he brought in three players of significance for the first time: WR Tristan Smith, LB Jeremiah Alexander and DE Will Heldt. Judging from Saturday, Dabo hit a homerun on all three! Tristan Smith stole the show with 4 catches for 107 yards and a touchdown. What a Death Valley debut! Alexander had a great game as well with 7 tackles to lead the team. Heldt only had one tackle, but it's safe to say that he was a great addition as well. Most had the former Purdue star rated as the top edge rusher available in the portal.
Smith told us after the game that he was nervous playing in front of a big crowd in Death Valley for the first time, but it sure didn't show! The Tigers already had a talented and experienced group of receivers returning, but Smith adds a big body and will be dangerous on 50/50 balls. With Antonio Williams, who made a great catch on Saturday, returning with Tyler Brown and sophomores Wesco and Moore--not to mention Cole Turner--I believe the Tigers have the best WR corps in the country!
Freshman RB Gideon Davidson had a good game as well and displayed his ball-catching skills on a couple plays. It was also fun to see Adam Randall in the backfield at running back!
The defense played well for the most part, keeping in mind that several players were out. Barnes intercepted a pass by Cade, and Venables had a nice, diving interception in the end zone. He also had a tackle for loss.
Hauser picked up right where he left off, going 3-3 on field goals, including a 49-yarder. Gunn also made his only attempt.
I'll have more in a bit. In the meantime, my post-game interviews are below!
Never miss the latest news from CUTigers!
Join our free email list