Dabo Swinney Explains Reasoning for Benching Key Clemson Player

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The Clemson Tigers rushing attack was much better in the second half of their 28-20 win over North Carolina on Saturday, and a key running back was kept off the field after being benched.

SMU transfer running back Chris Johnson Jr. had 0 yards on two rushing attempts. He did make an impact on special teams, returning four kicks for 87 yards, including a long of 30 yards. 

When speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney said he benched Johnson because the SMU transfer was refusing to run within the Tigers' scheme against North Carolina.

"He went in and he bounced it outside on a play that's supposed to go inside, and so I just wasn't going to watch it anymore," Swinney said, via ClemsonTigerNet. "I'm trying to win a game. If he wants to play, he's got to do what he's coached to do. I mean, it's just really simple. 

"He was impactful in winning the game at kickoff return… We know what he can do. But he's got to play within the scheme… We got to do a good job too of creating some space for him and things like that. But you also know that's just the rhythm of the game, playing in sync."

Swinney added that Johnson will get more opportunities in the future. He believes Clemson will use all of their running backs this season.

Gideon Davidson led all Clemson backs with 105 yards and a touchdown on 16 carries against UNC. 

Johnson, a senior from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, has 12 carries through three games this season for 53 yards. He began his college career at Miami, but really took off last season when he played for SMU. 

Johnson recorded 479 rushing yards and four touchdowns on 67 attempts for the Mustangs. He added 180 receiving yards and a score on 17 receptions.

So far, he's been stifled in Clemson's backfield.

The offensive line was an issue in the Tigers' first two games. Through the season, Clemson had just 376 rushing yards. 

The Tigers showed improvement in that area against UNC. They'll have a chance to show consistency against California on Friday.

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