No 'Quit' in Sight for Clemson

CLEMSON — The Clemson Tigers fell in a crushing defeat last Saturday against the Georgia Bulldogs in their season opener.

The game head coach Dabo Swinney called a “final exam” exposed several of the Tigers’ offensive and defensive weaknesses. However, Clemson players are convinced the loss exposed more than just weaknesses, it revealed natural leadership and resiliency.

“We’ve got incredible leadership,” quarterback Cade Klubnik said. “I’ve never experienced leadership in so many different spots like in the team we have now. That’s going to show in the good times and the bad.”

Tristan Leigh, a veteran offensive lineman, points to Klubnik as one of the key leaders.

“He was so intentional in the offseason with the relationships with the guys up front and I think it’s just a testament to his leadership,” Clemson’s left tackle said. “He genuinely cares and he was ready to do anything for us to get tighter because we all know when you’re out there, when you’re brothers with somebody, when you understand their story and where they come from, you’re going to go that much harder for them.”

Leigh also cited veterans like linebacker Barrett Carter and running back Phil Mafah, in addition to defensive standouts T.J. Parker and Peter Woods.

“I don’t want to just keep naming off guys, but there’s so many that care and they show they care in different ways by leading in different ways,” Leigh said. “Not everybody’s the rah-rah guy. Some guys get out there and lead by how they practice and set an example with their effort.”

Leigh was echoed by wide receiver Tyler Brown.

“We’re really big on staying together. We don’t really focus on any outside media. We work from the inside out,” he said.

The 25th-ranked Tigers have a chance to display their leadership in action Saturday when the Appalachian State Mountaineers make the trek from Boone, N.C. to take on Clemson at Memorial Stadium.

Kickoff is set for 8 p.m. (ACCN), as the Tigers try to secure their first victory of the year.