Dabo Swinney made it clear this week that playing time at Clemson is earned, not given. This comes as his team battles through injuries and a disappointing 4-5 season. The veteran coach addressed why cornerback Jeadyn Lukus hasn’t seen much action lately. He pointed directly to Avieon Strozier’s performance as the reason.

“Just playing the guys who have earned it and played the best,” Dabo Swinney said bluntly. “It’s nothing against J-Lu, it’s what Strozier has done.” He emphasized it wasn’t an injury situation but purely a meritocracy decision.  Strozier has apparently taken advantage of his opportunities and locked down more snaps in the secondary. Meanwhile, the coaching staff also clarified the situation with redshirt freshman running back David Eziomume.

He hasn’t played a single snap in the last two games despite being listed on the depth chart. Swinney was diplomatic but direct: “Not anything against David. I think he’s a great player, gonna have a lot of great days ahead. He’s a redshirt freshman, and that’s just where we are right now.” Guys like Keith Adams Jr. and Gideon Davidson have jumped him in the rotation, and the coaches are riding the hot hand.​ But Cade Klubnik’s injury doesn’t make the situation any easier.

The HC continued and praised his QB despite his absence. “He’s got complete respect of this football team … he’s a warrior, man. If Cade Klubnik can play, he’s gonna play. There’s a lot of guys who wouldn’t be playing, especially guys who know they’re going on to the NFL,” said Dabo Swinney.

This is a developing story