Clemson’s Jake Briningstool hopes to finish his college career the right way

CLEMSON – The days are long, but the years are short.

If you ask Jake BriningstoolHe remembers stepping foot on Clemson’s campus for the first time in 2021. He remembers the grueling days of fall camp, the climb to the top of the rankings, and so much more.

When he looks back on his college career, one thing in particular comes to mind: how quickly everything seemed to have flown by.

Now entering his final year with the Tigers, Briningstool’s drive to get him to the finish line is synonymous with what the team wants to accomplish.

“I thought my freshman year the days would last forever,” Briningstool said. “Now I look up and it’s my last time playing for Clemson. I’m more excited than sad and now I want to cap off my career and finish it on a high note.”

In 2023, Briningstool set career highs in nearly every category he could find. He started 12 games, finished with 50 catches for 498 yards and reached the end zone five times.

With no new coordinators or personnel changes in sight during the offseason, this presented him with a unique opportunity to devote more time to his craft.

This time seems to have been worth it, because Dabo Swinney and several players rave about the tight end’s approach in practice. Briningstool understands that a 12-team playoff can bring additional stress.

His main goal in the offseason was to prepare himself physically for the challenge.

“I think I want to get better every day,” Briningstool said. “I didn’t feel like I had to work toward a specific goal in my game, but I think the most important thing was getting my body in shape. I want to be ready to play 16 or 17 games this season and prepare myself mentally and physically. I’m just trying to continue to be the best version of myself.”

When there is no new offense to learn, it is easy to focus on becoming the best version of yourself.

The returns on a second offseason with Garrett Rileycombined with a large number of returning regular players, is in Briningstool’s eyes a recipe for success.

“I think that comes with experience,” Briningstool said. “It’s our second year with coach (Garrett) Riley. We can go through the same playbook, install it in the spring and in camp. I think we’re comfortable with each other. We built good chemistry in fall camp and in game prep. We have to finish what we started in January. We’re fighting for the same goal.”

The word “Finish” echoed across the white lines of the practice field throughout the start of fall camp, fresh on Swinney’s shirt since day one.

The word “done” has taken on a special meaning for Briningstool. He is in the final stages of his career at Clemson and nothing has driven him more than to close this chapter the right way.

“I think the most important thing for me is that I want to finish my career on a good note,” Briningstool said. “I want to be the best version of myself, get better every day and continue to help the team in any way I can.”