Cade Klubnik and a few of the Tigers’ CBs have already felt summer heat. The QB’s spring break came in early—at least, that’s what his coach thought. In Clemson’s first scrimmage at Memorial Stadium, Dabo Swinney didn’t hold back, delivering a sharp critique of his starting quarterback’s focus. “I think he checked out. I think he’s already gone to Cabo or something,” Swinney said, frustration evident in his voice. Apparently, QB1 wasn’t locked in. And the irony? He really did jet off to Cabo San Lucas soon after, trading the heat of Swinney’s words for the cool serenity of an infinity pool. But while all eyes were on this façade, someone else quietly stole the show on the other side of the field. A sophomore cornerback with NFL measurables and the pedigree to back it up stood out in a way that couldn’t be ignored.
In those viewing windows, the guy who continues to pop out is Ashton Hampton. The son of SWAC side Arkansas–Pine Bluff head coach Alonzo Hampton, the 6’2″ lockdown artist, is proving he’s more than just a name with connections. During Clemson Tigers’ spring practices, where first-team reps are being limited for veterans, Hampton has seized his opportunities.
He’s got the frame, the movement skills, and—perhaps most importantly—the confidence of a future shutdown corner. Even though he isn’t necessarily lighting it up every day, his presence is undeniable. There’s something about the way he moves, the way he carries himself—it’s the aura of a natural playmaker. And when the coaching staff placed him on a player panel last weekend to speak with recruits and parents, it wasn’t just for show. It was a statement.
Hampton’s rise isn’t just about filling in while others rest. He’s been productive when given the chance, logging 455 snaps as a true freshman last season. That’s not a number given out lightly at Clemson, a program that prides itself on defensive depth. The Florida State University HS product was a respected prospect coming in, but now he’s proving that recruiting rankings don’t define careers—work ethic and ability do. His length gives him an advantage against taller receivers, and his ability to mirror routes has impressed onlookers throughout spring. Rivals thinks, “He plays with an edge, but he’s also the son of a college head coach.” That last part may be the X-factor.
Raised by his father, Alonzo, a former four-year letterman cornerback at ULM (1993-96) and assistant head coach under Terry Bowden at the Golden Lions, he followed in his father’s footsteps as a cornerback. Therefore, Junior comes with expectations, but it also builds an understanding of the grind. Ashton Hampton isn’t just reacting on the field; he’s processing, anticipating, and adjusting like someone who’s been studying the game at a higher level for years. That could give him an advantage over some of last year’s rising sophomores, who struggled to maintain consistency.
It’s no secret that Dabo Swinney has high expectations for his young defensive backs, and while others in the group had their ups and downs in Wednesday’s scrimmage, Hampton remained steady. The performance didn’t go unnoticed.
With Clemson’s defense featuring household names at multiple positions, it would be easy for a young corner to get lost in the shuffle. If Hampton continues on this trajectory, he won’t just be a promising underclassman—he’ll be a vital piece of what Clemson is building.
Coach Swinney may have been all smiles after the latest scrimmage, but make no mistake, he’s evaluating every move his players make. As the team heads into spring break, there’s no question who’s making waves in camp.
Dabo Swinney was not happy with all his CBs
The good thing for Hampton was that he wasn’t on that list. Spring football is all about growth, but if you ask Dabo Swinney, Clemson’s young cornerbacks have a long way to go. Following the Tigers’ latest scrimmage, Swinney didn’t hold back when assessing the play of his defensive backs—specifically Branden Strozier, Tavoy Feagin, and Corian Gipson.
“Ain’t none of them ready to play. Thank God we don’t play right now,” Swinney said. “They all got ways to go. I’m glad we don’t play this spring. … They gotta grow in every area.” That’s about as blunt as it gets. Of course, Clemson’s defensive struggles weren’t entirely unexpected. Avieon Terrell was on a play count, meaning a handful of underclassmen had to step in and take more reps than usual. But with a combined 16 games played and just five tackles between them, it’s clear there’s plenty of room for improvement.
The good news? The Tigers have time to fix it. Veterans like Terrell, Ashton Hampton, Jeadyn Lukus, and Shelton Lewis will continue leading the way, but these young DBs will need to step up if Clemson wants to dominate in the ACC. The team gets back to work on March 23.
The post Non-Power 5 Coach’s Son Becomes Clemson’s Spring Standout as Cade Klubnik Faces Growing Pressure From Dabo Swinney appeared first on EssentiallySports.
