What Dabo Swinney had to say about Kentucky and bowl prep ahead of the Gator Bowl

Clemson head football coach Dabo Swinney discussed his team's roster and how his coaching staff is managing a busy December during a press conference on Thursday.

No. 22 Clemson, like every other team in college football, is currently neck deep in recruiting both high school players and the transfer portal. On top of that, the Tigers are getting ready for a TaxSlayer Gator Bowl appearance against Kentucky out of the SEC. Head coach Dabo Swinney joined a press video call on Thursday and spoke about his team's preparation and this wild month in the sport. 

"First of all, just say congratulations to Coach [Mark] Stoops and Kentucky for another great season," began Swinney. "you know, a program that I've had, just like everybody, great admiration for watching what's happened there under Coach Stoops. I mean, he's done an amazing job. So, congratulations to them."

Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney prior to Clemson's 16-7 win over South Carolina.  / Clemson Athletics

On the significance of playing in a bowl game, "I think it's a great opportunity for your veteran players. It's a great opportunity for them whether they're going pro or coming back. I mean, CJ Spiller, I say it to this day, I mean, I don't think he goes top 10 without being MVP of that Music City Bowl in 2009, I really don't. And again, that was 20 degrees... coldest game ever. And he was MVP of the game. And so I think it's a great opportunity for guys that are going pro, seniors, to play."

On the difficulty of navigating a busy December and roster management, "You got a few guys that are publicly in the [transfer] portal, you know, and it's unfortunate, that's just the way it is, you know, these guys are trying to, nobody can, I mean, they do but [other schools] are not supposed to talk to [Clemson players] until you get into [the portal] and so, you know, you got that process and kids trying to decide where they're gonna go. And then you know, Ruke [Orhorhoro], Trot [Jeremiah Trotter Jr.], and Nate [Wiggins] are going pro. So, you know, they've decided that they're not going to play and other than that, I think all hands on deck... We got a team meeting on Sunday. So we'll know a little bit more as we get get to that point. But I do know that we got a team that is super excited about being in the Gator Bowl and whatever we got, we're gonna have great preparation and we'll be excited to get out there and compete."