Clemson Football Practice Brief

Aug. 24, 2001

Clemson, S.C. — Clemson Coach Tommy Bowden held his annual Beanie Bowl at Death Valley Friday afternoon. The annual event is a rehearsal of all aspects of gameday operation and game management by the Clemson players, coaches and on-field administration.

“We review substitutions in all kinds of situations, run the clock, work the headset and check the communication with the press box, everything you can think of that comes up on gameday,” said Bowden. The Tigers met in the lockerroom prior to the game, and went through pregame practice as they will next Saturday. The team worked in complete game uniform for the 2 and half hour session. The offense and defense practiced all kinds of substitution and game situations.

One thing that the session revealed was that Clemson defensive coordinator Reggie Herring will not be able to be on the sideline for the opener. He will have to coach from the pressbox. Herring had surgery to repair a torn Achilles tendon this past Wednesday. It is amazing that he is at practice at all. But, when he tried to signal from the sideline while standing on crutches it was too difficult.

“That should not have an effect,” said Bowden. “Many defensive coordinators coach from the press box. Bill Oliver, who was a defensive coordinator here and at Alabama and Auburn worked from the press box. It is a matter of preference. Reggie prefers to be on the field, but he can work from the press box.” Herring will work from the press box until he is able to walk without crutches. Secondary coach Jack Hines will signal in the plays in Herring’s on-field absence.

Senior running back Travis Zachery was named to he preseason list for the Doak Walker Award on Friday. “Travis has worked hard and is deserving of any preseason honors,” said Bowden. “He should have a productive year and should be considered. He has made a lot of strides since I have been here.” Zachery and NC State back Ray Robinson were the only ACC players on the 43-player list.

Khaleed Vaughn (neck), Derrick Brantley (sprained knee), Morgan Woodward (sprained knee) and Zachery (sprained ankle) were in yellow on Friday and did not practice. Bowden said all the injured players should be back by Saturday or Monday.