Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney said he learned of the D.J. Reader situation this past weekend when he had a chance to visit with his mother.
Reader announced early on Tuesday he was going to leave the team for an indefinite amount of time due to what Swinney described as personal reasons. The senior defensive tackle was expected to start for the 12th-ranked Tigers when they open the season on Sept. 5 against Wofford.
“It is what it is,” Swinney said following practice. “There really isn’t much to add to the statement that I put out today so there isn’t really anything else to say other than who will take his place.