Dabo Swinney talks facing Clemson transfer Derion Kendrick in Week 1 against Georgia
By SDS Staff
Published:
Thanks to the NCAA’s one-time transfer waiver and the resolution of some legal issues, Derion Kendrick is good to go to play his former team in Week 1 of the 2021 season. With the Clemson vs. Georgia showdown headlining the opening weekend slate, it’s no surprise that Kendrick’s transfer to UGA came up at ACC Media Days.
Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney spoke highly of Kendrick when asked about facing his former all-conference standout defender.
“He’s a great player, so it’s a tough challenge,” Swinney told reporters. ” I love DK, I’m pulling for him. I hope he has a great year, hopefully, a great season except for one game. DK is a young man I love dearly, but sometimes, there needs to be a change for both sides.
“I’m happy he’s in a good place, a great program. He’ll be well-coached there, and I just want to see him finish well.”
When it comes to familiarity with the other side, Swinney likened the situation to an NFL free-agent signee playing his former team.
“You’ll see more and more of this with the transfers, it’s no different than the NFL,” Swinney said. “Tom Brady has got to play the Patriots this year.
“Hopefully DK doesn’t have quite the intel that Tom Brady may have. But I’m sure his familiarity is a plus for him, but we’re familiar with him, too.”
Kendrick’s performance against his former teammates could be one of the biggest storylines of the game.
Saturday Down South reports and comments on the news around the Southeastern Conference as well as larger college football topics.
