Here are five Clemson football players who have impressed Dabo Swinney in preseason

CLEMSON – The top performers in Clemson’s preseason football practices include a freshman receiver who didn’t arrive on campus until midsummer, a couple of veterans counting on breakout seasons, a punter finding his footing and a senior offensive lineman who has become the center of attention.

All five have drawn repeated praise from coach Dabo Swinney as well as their respective coordinators. Of course, there’s no guarantee that an impressive preseason ensures a successful regular season, but it’s a fairly accurate indicator that good things may be in store.

Here’s a look at the Tigers’ promising preseason quintet:

Wide receiver Antonio Williams

A former high school teammate of sophomore wide receiver/return specialist Will Taylor, Williams – a midsummer enrollee – has impressed early and often in a remarkably short time.

“I’m pleased with a lot of our rookies that have come in, but if I had to pick one guy that just got here in the summer, Antonio Williams is the first guy that comes to mind,” offensive coordinator Brandon Streeter said. “His knowledge has been the most surprising to me. He has very few mental mistakes. On top of that, his athleticism is awesome. He’s fearless about going and getting the ball, and his hands have been incredible. He’s got game speed. He can help us a lot this year.”

Center Will Putnam

After starting 22 games at guard during the past two seasons, Putnam has moved to center and drawn rave reviews.

“He’s been awesome,” Streeter said. “Man, I love that kid. That kid is a grinder and he’s been super consistent with the snaps – very, very accurate. He’s getting the job done. Really pleased with his development. It’s very clear that he trained really hard this summer and got better.”

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Swinney said there’s been just one bad snap all preseason.

“I can’t remember a year when we were this far into camp and there’s been only one errant ball,” Swinney said. "Will is built a little different, wired a little different, and I like that about him. He's as tough as they come."

Wide receiver Joseph Ngata

It’s definitely time to shine for Ngata, who despite great size and credentials has yet to experience a “breakout” season. If his efforts in practice are an adequate predictor, the 6-foot-3, 220-pound senior could emerge as a go-to guy in the Tigers’ offense.

“Ngata has been awesome – how many times have you heard me say that?” Swinney said. “He made a couple of big plays today (in a scrimmage) and has been a great leader for us. It has been fun to see. He’s had a great start. I’m happy for him and hopefully he can stay the course.”

And injury-free. A five-star recruit out of California, Ngata has been plagued by injuries and missed nine games during the past two seasons. So far, so good.

"Joe's been great," Swinney said. "He hasn't missed anything; he hasn't missed a rep."

Defensive end Xavier Thomas

A foot injury in Clemson’s preseason scrimmage on Aug. 13 will sideline the graduate defensive end for four to six weeks, interrupting the best start of his career.

The good news? He'll be back sooner than later.

"I don't see him missing a whole lot of time, but he's certainly going to miss Georgia Tech (in the first game)," Swinney said.

Prior to his setback, he was having what Swinney called a "great camp."

“I’ve never, ever seen him run like I’ve seen him run," Swinney said. “He’s as focused as he’s ever been.

“He’s really fast and playing within the scheme. The thing I’m most proud of with him is he’s really developed into a good leader. He’s what coaching’s all about. I’m proud of him and who he is and how he’s developed and matured as a man.”

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Thomas, an All-ACC candidate who has 27.5 career tackles for loss, is expected to be back in action by the time the Tigers’ ACC schedule begins to intensify in late September.

Punter Aidan Swanson

Swanson is the leader in the clubhouse to replace Will Spiers, who had a stranglehold on the punting job for five seasons.

“Aidan has been awesome,” Swinney said.

Much of that has been carryover from the spring, when the junior from Tampa, Florida, averaged 45.5 yards on six punts.

“For me, it’s just all mental,” Swanson said. “It’s just about having the right mindset and not being discouraged after I have a bad one. It’s bouncing back and just enjoying the moment.”

This article originally appeared on Greenville News: Five Clemson football players who impressed Dabo Swinney in preseason