SPRING GAME INTEL / Clemson Tigers LIVE 189 / ALL IN SHOW 169

Opening Banter & Personal Notes (allergies/sunburn) Both hosts complain about spring pollen in South Carolina (cars caked, Claritin use, endless nature woes). Craven mentions a bad sunburn from forgetting sunscreen ("my face looks like a tomato" / "grape tomato" jokes). They keep it light, note it's a busy week but football talk is welcome before the long off-season desert, and emphasize they always find Clemson content. Spring Game Recap (Orange 23, White 3) The annual spring game in Death Valley (March 28, 2026, ~1:30 PM kickoff, shortened format) ended with Orange dominating White 23-3. The rosters were unevenly stacked (Orange had most projected defensive starters and depth advantage), leading to lopsided stats: First downs: Orange 15, White 6Net rushing: Orange 120, White -4Net passing: Orange 166, White 49Total offense: Orange ~286, White 45Sacks: Orange 9, White 2Time of possession: roughly even (~30-29)Third downs: Orange 5/12, White 1/10Red zone: both 100% (Orange 3/3, White 1/1) Play-calling/schematics stayed vanilla (limited playbook, as expected). Energy/competitiveness was solid despite the smaller crowd and score disparity. Key takeaway: defense (especially DL) showed major promise under Tom Allen in year two. Standouts & Observations: Defensive Line dominated (9 sacks total). London Merritt (transfer, ex-Colorado) had 2.5 sacks + hurries/TFLs — looked like a stud with real upside. Vic Burley also had 2.5 sacks. Darien Mayo added multiple TFLs. Ari Watford flashed positively (rehab from prior ACL). Overall DL depth/athleticism/physicality looked vastly improved vs. 2025 issues (length, movement, attack).Secondary: New safeties (Carter/Myrick?) and Polo Anderson (true freshman) impressed; limited explosive plays through the air. Ashton Hampton physical on young WRs. Back end noticeably better.Linebackers: Depth concerns behind projected starters (Sammy Brown, Kobe McCloud — who had a safety). Fletcher Cothran (White) led all with 10 tackles and showed well.Chippiness/Intensity: Positive signs of competitiveness (e.g., post-whistle between Vic Burley and Easton Ware). Dabo on the mic called out players (Sammy Brown late hit, Tate Reynolds goal-line decisions) in entertaining fashion while coaching.Offense: Limited flashes due to vanilla scheme and strong Orange DL vs. young/backup OL. Gideon Davidson looked explosive (9 carries, 80+ yards, 35-yard run) as potential every-down back. Tyler Brown (5 rec, 47 yds, TD) and Christian Bantikur (tight end, 4 rec/45 yds) stood out. Young WRs (Gordon Sellers one-handed TD catch) showed flashes but also freshman mistakes. OL a clear work in progress (struggled vs. DL depth). Dabo/Overall Vibe: Defense trending up significantly (better personnel fit for Allen's scheme, transfers impacting immediately). Offense has pieces but questions at OL and consistency. Competitiveness/fire felt improved. QB Notes: Chris Vizzina (10/18, 95 yds, TD + 14 rush yds) and Tate Reynolds (7/10, 74 yds + rushing TD) clearly separated as 1-2 (Dabo confirmed; "not close"). Vizzina remains the front-runner/experienced guy with arm talent/consistency; Reynolds brings live arm, athleticism, and upside (freshman mistakes expected). Others (Chris Denson — dynamic runner but passing limitations; Trent Pierman, Brock Bradley) lag far behind. Denson unlikely to play meaningful QB snaps at this level. Running Backs: Gideon Davidson bursty/physical (looks ready for bigger role). "Easy E" (David Eziomoumeh), Chris Johnson Jr., and a Jarvis Green sighting added depth. Room in better shape than recent years but needs a clear RB1. WR/TE: Tyler Brown veteran production; Christian Bantikur highlighted (finally using TEs?). Young group (Sellers, etc.) flashed but inconsistent. Veterans like TJ Moore, Brian Wesco, Cole Turner, Tristan Smith sat out. Special Teams: Nolan Hauser mixed (some misses on chip shots; Dabo ribbed him). Overall not a focus. Big Picture: Spring game is limited (no takeaways too deep), but defense has "pieces" and attitude shift. Offense/OL needs work. Positive direction vs. prior years' personnel/ effort concerns. Recruiting Quick Hits (2027 Class Focus) Clemson building buzz/momentum (strong Elite Retreat). Emphasis on running backs (unusual multi-offer approach vs. past single-target strategy): Gary Walker (4-star, Creekside HS, GA): Crystal balls trending Clemson; strong interest/vibe; official visit in May. Florida State legacy (watch that), but Tigers in great spot. Top-5 type RB nationally.Andrew Beard (4-star, Prince Avenue Christian, GA): Speedy, compact build (~5'9"/197); elite track speed, 3-down potential. Clemson in strong position/final groups; May visit. Landing both would dramatically boost perception of RB recruiting (and depth behind Gideon Davidson). Broader class notes: pivotal cycle after recent dips; need "Jimmys and Joes" alongside gems. Baseball/Softball Quick Hits Baseball: Struggling badly in ACC play (0-3 in first series, swept by Notre ...