Swinney says that Pagano can return to Clemson

Tony Crumpton by Assoc. Editor -

Clemson coach Dabo Swinney spoke to the media following Thursday's practice and discussed several topics including former Clemson defensive tackle Scott Pagano's future.

"We’ve had conversations here and there, but he hasn’t indicated to me that he wants to come back to Clemson," Swinney said. "I love Scott. He’s an unbelievable young person. He’s the epitome of what you want in your program. He’s a guythat’s incredibly committed and always has been. He’s one of the hardest workers we’ve ever had come through here. It’s something he felt like he wanted to go do. Sometimes guys change their minds. He’s not indicated that to me. We’ll see what happens. He knows where my office is. He’s got my number."

Swinney said that he would open his arms to Pagano if he decided to return to Clemson after looking for a different school his senior season.

"I would have no problem," Swinney said. "There have been other guys who have left the program in the past who would not have that opportunity. He’s a guy that’s incredibly committed and has done everything that’s ever been asked of him. He’s a graduate. Sometimes guys lose their way a little bit. Jay Guillermo was gone for a whole spring and summer. I didn’t know if I’d ever see him again. Not only did he come back, he became a captain of the team. We have guys have different issues from time to time that we’d maybe give them another opportunity and most of the time they take advantage of it. Sometimes they don’t and we go from there. It’s one of those things that the team would have some say in that and it would be something that the leadership of the team would have input on."