CLEMSON – Gone means opportunity.
Defensive tackles coach Todd Bates is dealing with the loss of three of the best tackles to come through the Clemson program in Dexter Lawrence, Christian Wilkins, and Albert Huggins. All three players contributed to each of the last two National Championships, but the absence of those standouts has enabled Bates to have a teaching moment with his younger players.
“GONE. Grand Opportunity, New Experience. That is my acronym for this year,” Bates said recently. “That is what it is all for all these young guys.