Clemson Football Practice Brief

Aug. 13, 2007

Tommy Bowden Post-Practice Press Conference

Clemson, SC – It was back to the practice fields for the Clemson football team Monday. It was a two-a-day schedule as Clemson worked for two and a half hours in the morning and for two hours in the afternoon. It was the second two-a-day schedule of the preseason for Tommy Bowden’s Tigers.

The team was somewhat rested after holding Fan Appreciation Day at Clemson Memorial Stadium on Sunday. It was not a total day of rest as players signed autographs for over two hours.

Clemson head coach Tommy Bowden’s announced a bit of a shuffling in his lineup in the offensive line. “For this afternoon’s practice we made some shifts in the offensive line,” said Bowden. “We moved Thomas Austin to first team right guard and Thomas Austin has played well this preseason. He is a tough guy.”

Bowden also said Kevin Alexander was doing well and pushing Ricky Sapp at the bandit end on defense. “We just moved Kevin Alexander from linebacker to bandit end a week ago, and he is doing a very good job. He has some speed. He and Ricky Sapp are having a good battle at that position.

Bowden also singled out freshman DeAndre McDaniel for his play on Monday. “He has continued to jump off the radar screen in the secondary. It seems he picks off a practice in a drill or scrimmage every day,” said Bowden.

A number of players missed practice on Monday, but some also returned. Byron Maxwell, who is competing for the first team cornerback spot vacated by the graduation of Duane Coleman, missed Saturday’s scrimmage with a concussion, but he was back at practice on Monday morning.

Freshman linebacker Brandon Moye of Mobile, AL suffered a sprained foot in the scrimmage on Saturday. After tests on Monday it was determined that he does not have a broken foot, but he will probably miss four to six weeks recovering from the mid-foot sprain.

Rashaad Jackson, starting defensive tackle, suffered a knee sprain in the scrimmage on Saturday and was at both practices in a yellow jersey, but did not participate. He should return to practice some time this week. Jamie Cumbie continues to miss practice as he recovers from shoulder surgery last Thursday.

Miguel Chavis missed the afternoon practice with a hip flexor. Antwon Murchison suffered a mild concussion in the morning practice and missed the afternoon session.