Swinney updates Deon Cain's status |
Clemson coach Dabo Swinney talked to the media for a preview of the first day of his team's spring practice on Monday afternoon.
Swinney was asked about the availability during spring practice of suspended sophomore wide receiver Deon Cain. "I'm pleased with Deon," Swinney said. "He's not going to practice, and that's really what is best for him. He's going to be here every day. He's in the meetings. He's worked out. He is going to be at practice every day. But the biggest thing with Deon is we have just removed that competitive piece of football. I really don't need to see him run a comeback, to be honest with you." Swinney knows that Cain is a special talent at the wide receiver position. "I am not worried about the football side of Deon Cain, Swinney said. The football side of Deon Cain is going to be special if I can get him dialed in on other things that really are more important. So we have really just removed the competitive part of this spring because I don't want him to get distracted. I want him to stay focused on what he is doing and handling his responsibility to this University and to this football program." Swinney anticipates seeing Cain on the field this fall. "And if he continues to do those things, and I like his attitude, and everything is a positive, and if he continues to do those things then he will be full speed ahead when get back going in camp this fall," Swinney said. He said that Cain has taken ownership of what has happened during his suspension. "He didn't have to come back here," Swinney said. "He could have packed up and move on and said 'Hey the heck with that.'. But that is what I love - He has manned up. He appreciates it. He really does. He appreciates the opportunity he has got here. He recognizes he has some things that he has got to improve in and that is what he is doing." Cain had 34 receptions for 582 yards and five touchdowns as a true freshman.
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