FALL CAMP BEGINS / Clemson Tigers LIVE 207 / ALL IN SHOW 187

Clemson Tigers LIVE 207 / ALL IN SHOW 187 – Fall Camp Begins Hosts: Jordan Bowman & Edward “Tiger Paw” Craven ClemsonVOCFB | Presented by FanDuel

Show Overview

Fall camp kicks off this week (Thursday). Heavy focus on the 2028 recruiting class opener, the quarterback competition, offensive line uncertainty, and other key position battles heading into the season. Show closes with viewer Q&A and a look ahead to next week’s LSU preview.

Opening / Housekeeping

00:03:14 – 00:07:30

• Welcome back. Fall camp preview + first 2028 commitment.
• Jordan jokes about using a fifth year of eligibility / “coming out of retirement.”
• Light banter on the current eligibility landscape and how chaotic it is with rosters already set.

Recruiting – Trace Hawkins (2028 QB, Calhoun, GA)

00:07:42 – 00:18:20

• Commitment: Trace Hawkins becomes Clemson’s first 2028 commit (and locks down the QB spot early — third straight year the Tigers have secured their future QB in July).
• Profile: ~6-0, 190 lbs. Not a pure physical specimen but shows excellent poise, pocket presence, accuracy, and the ability to keep eyes downfield while escaping. Mechanically sound. Can make every throw; thrives in intermediate windows and off-platform throws.
• Fit: Ideal for Chad Morris scheme (pocket toughness + accuracy). More traditional build than recent athletic QBs (Kyron Hewley, Tate Reynolds). Came down largely between him and Trey Wright (Texas).
• Impact: Already recruiting for the class. Hosts view him as a strong foundational piece who other 2028 prospects will want to play with.
• Related 2028 OL note (viewer question): Sam Walker (Carrollton, GA) — Clemson currently viewed as the team to beat. Also high on Georgia Tech and South Carolina. Plans game visits during the season (Clemson first). Relationship with Matt Luke and culture are big selling points. Commitment expected during the season.

Fall Camp Begins – Program Context

00:19:25 – 00:21:00

• Official start: Thursday of this week.
• Program at a “hinge point / crossroads” after a six-loss season (despite nine players drafted). Expectations are not a deep playoff run with a less star-studded roster. Focus is on righting the ship with a group full of “nobodies,” transfers, and unproven players stepping into bigger roles.

Quarterback Situation (Biggest Storyline)

00:21:00 – 00:30:00

• Best-case scenario for 2026: Chris Vazina (senior / fourth-year) clearly separates and is the undisputed starter. Gives Tate Reynolds time to develop without forcing the true freshman into early high-pressure situations.
• Current vibe: Vazina has the pole position and “earned the right to start,” but there is not yet strong internal confidence that he will produce high-level play (similar to the Cade Klubnik-era messaging last year).
• Tate Reynolds: Extremely high on his talent and upside. Made major strides in spring. Still green — limited senior high school season, relatively late conversion to QB full-time. Hosts do not want him forced into the role purely as “best option available.” Prefer natural progression.
• Bottom line: Play the best guy. Ideal is the veteran securing the job cleanly; if Reynolds wins it, you live with the growing pains.

Offensive Line – Critical Position Group

00:31:40 – 00:38:30 (and revisited later)

• Matt Luke has recruited well and has a strong track record, but this is the year he must prove the development side at Clemson.
• Run game improvement is non-negotiable for Chad Morris’ offense to succeed.
• Known pieces: Braden Jacobs (LT). Elijah Thurman likely sliding to guard.
• Center: Harris Sewell currently the projected starter — big question mark on whether he can anchor the line and handle protections.
• Right side completely open: Easton Ware (RT?), Ronan O’Connell or Colin Sadler (RG?).
• Health remains a chronic issue. Freshmen (Chance Barkley, Gavin Blanchard, etc.) could shake up the rotation.
• Hosts’ preference if close: lean younger (Ronan O’Connell over Colin Sadler). Need five guys who can play winning football consistently.

Other Position Battles / Depth Chart Notes

00:38:30 onward (scattered through mid-show)

• Defense built to win through the middle (Tom Allen scheme). Defensive tackle and interior play will be central.
• Wide receiver room has established pieces (T.J. Moore, Bryant Wescoe) plus young talent. Freshman Naeem Burrows viewed as having the clearest path to meaningful early snaps among true freshmen.
• Defensive end: London Marriott has the highest ceiling (disruptive tape from Colorado). Jaheim Lawson has grown and will be needed.
• Secondary / safety room has questions; transfers brought in for a reason. Ashton Hampton’s All-ACC recognition not surprising given his traits and the returning ACC corner landscape.

Viewer Q&A Highlights

~01:14:00 – end

• Right guard projection: Ronan O’Connell preferred if close; Colin Sadler more likely the “safe” veteran choice.
• First freshman announced starter: Naeem Burrows has the most realistic path (barring injury). Tate Reynolds is the other realistic candidate if he wins the QB job. Freshman OL or LB (e.g., Braden Riley) unlikely to start. True freshman center starts are extremely rare under Dabo.
• Ashton Hampton All-ACC: Not shocking.
• Miami game scenario: Agree that undefeated Clemson hosting Miami and losing is more likely than a 1- or 2-loss Clemson beating Miami.
• Chad Morris offense 2.0: Foundation will feel familiar, but expect more diverse run looks and concepts picked up since he left. Screen game and QB run still important.
• Quick historical digression on the 2021 offense (worst WR room in recent memory, elite defense wasted).
• New university president Ben Ayers: Positive early feedback; still establishing himself.

Closing

~01:53:00 – end

• Next week: LSU preview with an LSU guest.
• Fall camp updates will continue as practices begin.
• Reminder to subscribe, like, leave reviews on podcast platforms (Clemson Football Live / All In Show).
• “Go Tigers.”

Key Takeaways for Fall Camp

1. Trace Hawkins is a strong early foundation for 2028.
2. QB competition is the short-term swing factor — hosts want Vazina to separate cleanly.
3. Offensive line health + consistency (especially the right side and center) will largely determine whether the new offense works.
4. This is a roster of largely unproven or new pieces. Development and health will decide the ceiling more than star power.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.