How Dabo Swinney said Clemson football's growing support staff, including his sons, will impact Tigers

CLEMSON — Clemson football coach Dabo Swinney announced Thursday former Tigers linebacker Ben Boulware has joined the team's staff.

The 16-year Tigers coach revealed Boulware, who played linebacker at Clemson from 2013-16, will serve as a paid defensive intern after reaching out to Swinney earlier in the summer. He will join a revamped support staff, which includes Swinney's sons, Drew and Will, that will help with on-field instruction.

"It will make you more efficient," Swinney said. "I'm excited about the amount of attention that we'll be able to put on every single player."

This comes after the NCAA allowed an unlimited amount of coaches to provide on-field instruction to athletes during games. Swinney praised the decision, calling it "one of the best changes" the organization has made. Prior to the change, teams could have 11 on-field coaches — head coach and 10 assistants.

Here are other takeaways from Swinney's availability from Day 1 of preseason practices:

Clemson football injuries entering preseason practice

The Tigers are beginning the preseason in great shape compared to previous seasons. Offensive lineman Walker Parks and cornerback Jeadyn Lukus will be back, per Swinney. The team is facing only three injuries, and all are minor.

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Cornerback Miles Oliver will be out, wearing a yellow non-contact jersey. Defensive lineman Vic Burley and running back Keith Adams Jr. will have green jerseys Thursday, meaning limited participation. Swinney expects those players back in time for Clemson's opener against Georgia.

Clemson football preseason position battles

Swinney said there will be competition at every position, but the two critical battles will take place at center and kicker. Ryan Linthicum will continue battling Harris Sewell and Trent Howard for center, and Nolan Hauser and Robert Gunn III will vie for the starting kicker job.

The Tigers coach said there will be backup battles at quarterback, tight end, running back, linebacker, cornerback and safety too.

"I've started a lot of freshmen over the years," Swinney said. "The best players are going to play."

Derrian Carter covers Clemson athletics for The Greenville News and the USA TODAY Network. Email him at dcarter@gannett.com and follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter, @DerrianCarter00

This article originally appeared on Greenville News: Dabo Swinney: Clemson football coach adds Ben Boulware to staff