Clemson's New Additions Shine Bright in Spring Debut
- Katie Gerbasich
- Apr 6
- 3 min read
Dabo Swinney prides himself on the developmental skills of his program. This, combined with one of the highest retention rates in college football, has led to Swinney’s disuse of the transfer portal. The head coach believes he can craft championship talent himself. Therefore, Clemson made waves after diving into the transfer portal this offseason, picking up elite talent like Tristan Smith (WR) and Jeremiah Alexander (LB). Fans saw these transfers on display for the first time in this weekend’s spring game, and they did not disappoint.
Smith’s Showstopping Spring Game Performance
Tristan Smith was previously a standout at Southeast Missouri State. Now on the home sidelines, the senior receiver got to step up to a bigger stage—Memorial Stadium—for the first time. Smith said he was nervous before the game.
“I feel like I’ve got to prove myself,” Smith said. “I got to make plays, do my job. I’m a big guy. I don’t like dropping the ball. So I’m nervous, but when I got that first catch out of the way, I was like, Okay, let’s go."
Smith connected with backup quarterback Christopher Vizzina on a beautiful over-the-shoulder throw for 30 yards. From there, Smith continued to shine. He tallied 137 yards off five catches and one touchdown. His 72-yard touchdown came off an elite grab, showcasing his long 6'5" frame.
“I thought I was just going to catch the ball and get tackled,” Smith said. “I ain’t know he was going to miss the tackle and I was going to be running toward the end zone, but I was. I was exhausted.”
The touchdown catch was arguably the most impressive play of the second half. While spectators were shocked by this highlight play, teammates like TJ Parker are accustomed to this behavior from Smith.
“He makes plays on the field all the time, so today was no surprise for me because I've been seeing it for a couple months now,” Parker said in the post-game press conference. “I'm just super proud of him. He's going to be a good piece forward.”
With Smith finding his role as a deep threat within the receiver room, the offense is primed to be even more explosive. Cade Klubnik will have his fair share of options to deliver to.
Alexander’s Consistency Pays Off
Transferring from Alabama in January, Jeremiah Alexander has shifted from everything he was accustomed to in Tuscaloosa, to Tom Allen's defense here in Clemson. This hasn’t hindered his development in shifting from middle to inside linebacker. The 6'2", 250-pound junior has leaned on veteran leaders around him, like Wade Woodaz, to help pick up on the new schemes.
“Wade’s been a good leader to us and me,” Alexander said. “I’m just looking forward to getting a good offseason this summer and building with the guys.”
Swinney credited Alexander for working through the learning curve. Alexander co-led the defense in total tackles with seven in the game.
“He’s gained his confidence and consistency as he went,” Swinney said. “I thought he had a really good day today, made a couple of tough tackles.”
The veteran’s versatility and dedication to maintaining a high football IQ will take the defense to a new level. Tom Allen should be excited by what he saw from the former five-star player in his new tackling-focused defense. Alexander co-led the team with seven tackles during the spring game, showing the type of motor and grit that Allen has enforced on the daily this spring. Alexander looks to always be around the ball, and is set to have a great season ahead.
Looking Ahead with Confidence
With the success of these transfers, it seems Clemson could stand to benefit from further utilizing the portal. Yet, Swinney remains confident in the squad they have right now and currently will not go searching when the spring transfer window opens.
I don’t blame him. It seems in a few short months, these transfers have already proven they truly fit into the program. Swinney might have cracked the code on player development. Death Valley should be exciting for what a summer offseason can build among these players. Get excited now, because come fall, Clemson will be a thrill to watch.
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