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Published Jun 17, 2017
Dabo's summer to-do list
Larry Williams & Paul Strelow
Tigerillustrated.com

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With both sessions of Clemson's camp in the books and with summer voluntary workouts kicking into high gear, what's on Dabo Swinney's summer to-do list?

-- Take a vacation.

Swinney is uniquely qualified to be a successful head coach. His energy, his attention to detail and his zest for going to work every day is not matched by many if any of his peers. Where most coaches start to get worn down by the grind of the year and start to tire of some of the more mundane offseason routines, Swinney just seems made for it all. Where some coaches might privately admit that they're not totally ready to get back at it after two weeks of summer vacation, Swinney seems like a kid on Christmas morning when he arrives back in the Upstate.

All that said, this hasn't been the typical year for Swinney. Heck, it hasn't been the typical two years for him. Thirty games over two seasons, the extended postseasons, have condensed a calendar that now features more demands on his time and energy than ever.

Aside from the annual ski trip to Colorado immediately after National Signing Day, has there really been a chance for him to catch his breath? Heck, immediately after he delivered a national title he was able to enjoy it for about five minutes before heading to the annual coaches' convention in Nashville. And then came the parade in Clemson. And then ... well, you get the picture. And all the while he and his football staff moved into a new football home while he and his wife Kathleen make endless decisions that have come with his family building a 20,000-square-foot home.

And now, in the present, the routine of the year-ending summer camp is appropriately marked with something decidedly not routine with the team coming off the trip to the White House and Capitol in recognition of the national title.

Swinney is a master of living in the moment, of keeping his team focused on its most immediate task. So while another highly anticipated season approaches and there's plenty to address in advance of August camp that will be here very quickly, Swinney's to-do list as he departs for vacation consists of one task: Enjoy it.

This man probably doesn't need to be reminded to savor something. And he's surely going to delight greatly in the meal that will come at Nick Saban's expense at their favorite restaurant in Boca Grande, Fla.

But this summer seems to present an extraordinary case of the need to totally detach and get away. Because it's been one of those years -- in a good way, of course. – LARRY WILLIAMS

-- Get the beef to the grill.

Like Larry said, it’s been one of those years. And as a result, Clemson is in position to capitalize on the recruiting trail with cachet it’s never held before.

The program’s annual “All-In Cookout” will be held in one month. The event serves multiple purposes – it’s great for team camaraderie as well as helps significantly with Clemson’s retention of its commitments.

But the Tigers also use it as much to be its grand recruiting tool. A handful of priority targets are invited to come be a part of the family for an evening, and the personable experience has yielded favorable returns in distinguishing Clemson from its competitors.

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