GREENSBORO, N.C. — Clemson quarterback Cole Stoudt and defensive end Vic Beasley met with the media during Day 1 of the 2014 ACC Football Kickoff. Here are some of the main topics discussed:
*Stoudt said that being a three-year backup required a lot of patience, but he thinks it will serve him well this season. The senior quarterback said he never considered transferring, although is father once mentioned that leaving for another school could be an option. Stoudt told his father to never bring it up again.
*Just months ago, the Freedom From Religion Foundation wrote a letter complaining about Clemson coach Dabo Swinney promoting Christianity within the locker room. When asked about it today, Stoudt didn’t hesitate to defend his coach, saying that Swinney’s faith was the biggest reason he committed to Clemson. He also insisted that Swinney doesn’t force Christianity on his players.
*Despite losing offensive stars in Tajh Boyd and Sammy Watkins from last year, as well as fourth-round NFL draft pick Martavis Bryant, Stoudt said that the Tigers have many offensive weapons. Among those weapons is Charone Peake, who missed most of last season with a torn ACL. Stoudt said that Peake recently ran the 40-yard dash in 4.28 seconds.
*Florida State may be the heavy favorite to win the Atlantic Division, but Vic Beasley thinks Clemson can knock off the Seminoles by forcing turnovers. Beasley said that turnover margin was his team’s biggest weakness in 2013. The Tigers’ average turnover margin last year was .46, good for No. 29 nationally.
*Beasley claims that this year’s defensive front will “definitely” be the most talented that Clemson has had since he’s been on campus. Corey Crawford and Grady Jarrett are also All-ACC candidates heading into this season.