Dubbo Swinney excited to coach Clemson Tigers WR Will Taylor

Clemson, South Carolina — Not many freshmen allow Dubbo Sweeney to return a punt in a Top 5 matchup on neutral field.

But in last year’s season opener against Georgia, Will Taylor returned a punt against the Bulldogs, watched by 75,000 inside Charlotte’s Bank of America Stadium and watched by millions more on television. Because I watched, Clemson’s head football coach did just that.

“There aren’t many freshmen I run out of in that kind of environment,” Swinney said. “He’s just a baller”

It’s not just the soccer field.

He was also the starting center fielder for the Tigers baseball team, batting .260 with 14 runs scored, a home run, four RBIs, a .320 slugging percentage and a .397 on-base percentage. Taylor accomplished it all in just his 13 games after returning from a torn ACL in his right knee last football season.

“He’s Will Taylor. Show up, never played baseball, next thing you know bum! What did he hit? Nearly 300 or so,” said Swinney. “I mean, he’s probably faster than he’s ever been. He’s been quick all the time. He’s strong. He’s confident. I have.”

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Taylor was on the way to a pretty good freshman campaign when he tore his ACL with no contact in Game 5 against Boston College on Oct. 2, 2021. Plays a big role in the Tigers’ game plan against BC.

“We really took him in as a quarterback and trained him in the fundamentals and perspective of a quarterback. ‘ said Swinney. “Obviously, our quarterback room is in great shape, so I’m excited about that, but we were moving him in Game 5 last year. Whatever, whether it’s the 4th play of the game or the 3rd play of the game, he’s out, so he was on his way.

Taylor, the first football player to play baseball at Clemson University since DJ Reader played baseball in 2013, missed all spring drills while rehabilitating his knee. He was finally cleared to play baseball against Georgia Tech on May 6.

The Irmo, South Carolina native is expected to compete for the starting slot position with Brannon Spector, EJ Williams, Troy Stellato and Antonio Williams. Swinney says he also cross-trains at field positions at camp.

“I can’t wait to get out on the field and coach him as a wideout,” Swinney said. “He’s fast. was not possible.

“But he’s got it all. He’s going to be a great player. It’ll be fun to watch him grow.”

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