One of Clemson football’s biggest personnel questions entering preseason camp isn’t about who will win a starting job, it’s about where Chris Denson fits best.
The sophomore arrived on campus as a quarterback, but after spending the offseason exploring other opportunities, he’s beginning fall camp with the receivers while continuing to learn multiple spots on offense. For Dabo Swinney, the next few weeks will be about finding out where Denson’s athleticism translates best.
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“I haven’t really had a chance to see him in that light yet, so we’ll see,” Swinney said. “Obviously we know he can run and he can change direction, and that’s easy to evaluate. But I have not had a chance to really evaluate him as a wideout yet.”
Clemson isn’t locking Denson into one position just yet. Offensive coordinator Chad Morris said last month that the former quarterback would continue taking some snaps behind center while also spending time at wide receiver and running back. That flexibility will continue throughout camp as the coaching staff gathers more information.
Swinney made it clear that wide receiver is simply the starting point, not necessarily the final destination.
“I don’t even know if that’s the best position for him,” Swinney said. “I can’t really say that until I go through the process with him. But he’s done a great job. He looks great. Physically he looks great. He’s one of those guys that we’ve got to figure out what’s the best spot for him, and then we’ll go from there.”
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The transition has felt like a natural progression after the spring, when Denson’s future at quarterback became less certain. Rather than continue battling for a spot on the depth chart, Clemson is now looking for ways to get one of its most athletic young players onto the field.
Denson showed flashes of that ability during his redshirt season in 2025. His most productive outing came against Furman, where he broke off 106 rushing yards on only six carries while completing all four of his passes for 22 yards and producing two total touchdowns.
Although Denson opened camp in a yellow non-contact jersey, Swinney said the sophomore is making steady progress physically.
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“I think Denson’s in yellow today, but he’s actually progressing really good,” Swinney said.
With several weeks of practice ahead before the season begins, Clemson expects to have a much better idea of whether Denson’s future lies at receiver, in the backfield, or as a true offensive chess piece who can line up all over the field.
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This article originally appeared on Clemson Wire: Dabo Swinney talks quarterback Chris Denson’s new position as camp starts
