Clemson Football Holds Stadium Scrimmage Wednesday

March 16, 2011

CLEMSON – The Clemson football team held a closed scrimmage in Memorial Stadium on Wednesday as part of the ongoing spring practice sessions. Clemson showed glimpses of their new fast-paced offense as the team worked in game situations for about two hours and 83 offensive plays.

“Obviously, we have a long way to go, but I saw some good things out there today,” said head coach Dabo Swinney, who is entering his third season at the helm of the Clemson program. “Tajh Boyd, Jaron Brown, and DeAndre Hopkins all played well today for the offense, and we made some good, aggressive plays defensively.”

The quarterbacks combined to throw for 237 yards and four touchdowns without an interception, and the defensive front was disruptive throughout the day, holding the offense to 91 rushing yards.

“The defense is ahead of the offense, as they should be,” said Swinney. “The defense has been going at it for two years now, and offense only a week.”

Junior Joe Craig.

McNeal was impressive, throwing scores to Craig and Marquan Jones in an array of passing situations, and also added a 15-yard scramble.

The running backs combined for 106 yards on 24 carries, with DJ Howard’s six carries for 60 yards pacing the running attack.

Defensively, Corico Hawkins and Quandon Christian led the way with five tackles, while Corey Crawford, Andre Branch, and Joe Gore added four apiece.

This will be the final practice until Monday, March 28, as Clemson’s spring break is next week. The spring practice sessions will conclude on April 9 with the annual spring game at Memorial Stadium at 4:00 PM.