Recap: Clemson's first day of practice

With its 9-4 record last year, three straight missed College Football Playoffs, and 30 days until its season opener against SEC power Georgia, coach Dabo Swinney's program is full of intrigue.

Clemson's first preseason practice was open to the media for the first seven periods. Here is what I saw.

The defense will be one of the elites in the nation this season. They are led by Barrett Carter at the starting linebacker position. He is one of the most talented players in the country at that position. With him and Wade Woodaz at the starting linebacker position, there will be a formidable 1-2 punch at the position at the start of the season. The chemistry between Barrett Carter and Wade Woodaz is palpable, as they communicate effortlessly and seem to anticipate each other's moves on the field. Their synchronized play and mutual trust elevate the defense, making it even more formidable. This dynamic duo is poised to wreak havoc on opposing offenses throughout the season. As far as the big boys up front are concerned, Peter Woods and T.J. Parker are the bookends at defensive end. Both were freshman All-American selections. Their presence will likely create significant challenges for opposing offenses, allowing Clemson to control the line of scrimmage. If the defense performs as expected, it might propel Clemson back into the College Football Playoffs.

There’s a great deal of intrigue surrounding Clemson’s true freshman WR pairing of Bryant Wesco Jr. and T.J. Moore. Clemson's tradition of receiving talent could be carried on by the two top-50 recruits. Quarterback Cade Klubnik bulked up to 210 pounds at the team’s BIG Weigh-In event Wednesday. Klubnik weighed 180 pounds when he enrolled in January 2022, so the extra 21 pounds of muscle will help him perceive the physical contact he may experience this season