Dabo with his usual salty comments:
Tchio, who was listed as co-starting left guard alongside freshman Marcus Tate, played 42 snaps at N.C. State as a first-time starter, but only played six the following week vs. Boston College; one snap vs. Florida State; and zero vs. Syracuse, Pitt, and Louisville.
Swinney was asked if it was lack of playing time that led to Tchio's transfer decision.
"I guess. Different opportunity," Swinney said. "That's what we've got in college football. Go somewhere else in January. It is what it is. Keep moving."
"Nothing catches me off-guard in 2021," Swinney said. "Nothing surprises me. Absolutely nothing. Absolutely zero. It's just the world we're in."
It is a bit of a head-scratcher why Tchio, a former four-star, couldn't develop or earn the trust of the staff any better or quicker than he did, especially because Tate has struggled at times. Swinney and Tony Elliott both said last week that Tchio is talented, but his practice habits and attention to detail needed to be better. He entered the game for one snap vs. Florida State and lost his rep on the draw.
If you don't practice correctly, you're not going to play.
Mayes, a former four-star, can't get on the field either. But that seemingly has more to do with talent/development. You hope that changes next year.