The offseason is no offseason anymore -- not with the stakes and money so high.

That's not a new development. Just feels elevated, though, as a trio of freshmen arrive this weekend in order to get their wheels in motion a month earlier on so-called voluntary workouts and training.

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It's more of a business than ever, and the athletes who take care of themselves and demonstrate the self-discipline and drive to prepare like professionals will be the ones best equipped to survive or thrive amid the pratfalls of the pro climate.

Clemson has sought to preserve as much of a collegial culture as possible.