Clemson Can’t Keep Waiting for Players to Develop

About this episode

Can Clemson build a roster good enough to compete with LSU and the best programs in college football? Absolutely. The bigger question is whether Dabo Swinney can build it fast enough.Morgan Thomas breaks down why Clemson’s reliance on player development has become increasingly risky in the transfer portal era. Development still matters, but Clemson cannot enter seasons depending on every young player eventually becoming the answer.The offensive line is the clearest example. Clemson lost major experience with Blake Miller, Tristan Leigh, Walker Parks and Ryan Linthicum, then entered Baton Rouge depending heavily on young players such as Brayden Jacobs, Elyjah Thurmon and Ronan O’Connell.The same question applies at quarterback with Christopher Vizzina. Clemson believes in its young players, but believing in development is different from depending on development.Dabo Swinney has already changed his approach to the transfer portal. Now the next step is using it aggressively enough to create real competition, recruit over weaknesses and stop waiting for developmental timelines to line up perfectly.Clemson doesn’t just need to get better. It needs to get better faster.00:00 Can Clemson Build a Better Roster? 04:18 Development vs. Immediate Competition 08:57 Clemson Wasn’t Ready for LSU 15:46 The Offensive Line Portal Gamble 19:16 Why Not Add QB Competition? 22:18 Development Alone Isn’t Enough 27:02 Clemson Must Create Real Competition 31:46 Why Was Dabo Willing to Gamble? 33:37 Final ThoughtsSupport Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!Poncho Outdoors Go to https://ponchooutdoors.com/LOCKEDON and enter your email to get $10 off and free shipping on your first order.KALSHI For a limited time, Download the Kalshi app and use code [LOCKEDON] to get $10 when you trade $10.SupplyHouse Visit https://SupplyHouse.com/TM to learn more about becoming a Trade Master. Use promo code S H Five College for five percent off your first order. SupplyHouse. Real people. Real service.Indeed Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast.Square Get up to $200 off Square hardware when you sign up at https://square.com/go/COLLEGE ! #squarepodLARINECO Give Larine a try. Right now, Larine Co is offering our listeners up to 50% off at https://BUYLARINE.com/LOCKEDONCOLLEGE.Odoo Great organizations win because operations matter. And that’s why you should get Odoo. Try for free today at https://Odoo.com/lockedon.5-Hour ENERGY Bring on the sweetness with Cotton Candy 5-hour ENERGY®️ shots—available online now at https:/5hourENERGY.com or on Amazon.Gametime Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.FanDuel Make this Your Most Rewarding Season Ever with FanDuel. Get $350 in Bonus Bets — GUARANTEED — when you bet five dollars every day for seven days. Join all the action at https://FANDUEL.COMFANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.