Clemson Football Practice Brief

Aug. 14, 2008

Post-Practice Interview with Coach Bowden

Clemson, SC – Clemson practiced for nearly three hours on the practice fields behind the Jervey Athletic Center on Thursday in full gear. The Tigers are preparing for the season opener against Alabama on August 30. The Tigers have two practices scheduled for Friday, followed by the second major scrimmage of the preseason on Saturday.

One player seemed to dominate Thursday’s practice according to Head Coach Tommy Bowden. “We just couldn’t block Ricky Sapp today,” said Bowden. “It didn’t matter which side we put him on, he got to the quarterback. The problem is that no one else is getting to the quarterback. We need to find a second pass rusher from somewhere.

“I am not going to say we are struggling at offensive tackle. Ricky might be pretty good. We will see what he does against Alabama. If he gets constant pressure against them, then we might not have a problem in our offensive line.

“Ricky still has some to go as far as strength is concerned to be a Gaines Adams. You have to remember that Gaines was in his sixth year his last year here, (2006) a year of prep school, then five years at Clemson. Ricky is probably as fast, but he is 25 pounds lighter.”

Bowden is looking forward to Saturday’s scrimmage. “We will certainly see that we have everyone in the right place on the offensive line. I am also looking forward to watching the freshman receivers, Marquan Jones and Jaron Brown. Brown made another excellent catch in practice today. I am also going to keep a close eye on the reserve safeties.”