CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — The Atlantic Coast Conference opens its preseason media days Wednesday with a focus on reigning national champion Clemson and the rest of the Atlantic Division. The Tigers have won two national championships in three seasons and four straight league titles while going 34-2 against ACC opponents dating to the 2015 season. The Coastal Division teams will be the focus on Thursday.
CLEMSON, S.C. (AP) — Clemson has several holes to fill on defense after its second national football championship in three years. The Tigers have lost seven starters from the team that defeated Alabama 44-16 last January to win the crown for the second time in three years. That includes the front four of Christian Wilkins, Clelin Ferrell, Dexter Lawrence and Austin Bryant, all selected in last April's NFL draft. Clemson defensive coordinator Brent Venables says his group has plenty of unknowns heading to camp.
CLEMSON, S.C. (AP) — Clemson coach Dabo Swinney says starting receiver Amari Rodgers is ahead of schedule following a torn ACL sustained in spring practice. Rodgers was second on the Tigers' national championship squad with 55 catches last season. He was hurt last March during spring drills and was expected to miss much of the upcoming season because of the ligament tear. Instead, Rodgers has gotten the green light for straight-ahead running and Swinney said Tuesday he might be back by the end of September.
