Clemson Football Completes First Day Of Practice

Aug. 7, 2000

CLEMSON, S.C. — Clemson’s freshman class worked twice for a total of three hours on the practice fields behind the Jervey Athletic Center on Monday. It was the first day of college practice for the 19 scholarship and walk-on players who will be members of the Clemson football team this fall.

The Tigers worked on the basics in both practices that were practically mirror images in terms of time and task. “We spent most of the time teaching and telling the players how to lineup,” said Head Coach Tommy Bowden, who is in his second year as Clemson coach.

“We want these players to know where to go once the varsity joins them on Friday.” The freshmen will work twice again on Tuesday, at 10:00 AM and 4:45 PM. Both of the workouts will be open to the public, but these will be the only practices open to the public in the preseason.

The freshmen will meet with administrators to make academic and NCAA preparations for the beginning of school. They will have photos taken with the rest of the team on Thursday. Two-a-day practices for the entire team will start Friday.

The Tigers will practice twice on Friday and Saturday, then meet take part in Fan Appreciation Day on Sunday. That event will take place in Littlejohn Coliseum from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM.

Bowden said there are opportunities for players in this class to contribute this year. “We certainly have opportunities when it comes to the kicking game, wide receiver, and in the secondary. We need depth in a number of areas.”

Aaron Hunt and Derrick Hamilton received a lot of work on special teams on Monday. Hunt is listed as the number-one kicker coming into fall practice. Hamilton returned eight punts or kickoffs for touchdown last year in high school and will be looked upon to help Clemson’s special teams. “Hamilton had some outstanding numbers in the return game in high school. We have 100 receptions off of last year’s team graduate (Brian Wofford and Mal Lawyer).”