Clemson Football Practice Brief

Aug. 9, 2003

Clemson, SC – Clemson put on the full uniform on Saturday during a three-hour morning practice on the practice fields behind the Jervey Athletic Center. It was the fifth consecutive day of one practice for Tommy Bowden’s Tigers. The team will take a break for Fan Appreciation Day on Sunday.

Fans will be able to meet with Clemson players and coaches on the concourse under the South Stands at Clemson Memorial Stadium from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM.

For the second straight day it appeared the defense was ahead of the offense. “We worked a lot on short yardage and the defense won that overall,” said Bowden. “Six of the eight times we ran it the defense stopped the offense. We will continue to work on that area on offense, but I have been pleased with the performance of the defense so far. You win championships with a great defense, we just have to continue this consistently.

“It was a good first day in pads, but there was the normal fatigue at times with some of the players. We had the first team hit against the first team, the second team against the second team, so there was good competition.”

Bowden did single out a few individuals after their performance in one-on-one drills. “Donnell Clark, Vontrell Jamison, J.J. Howard, William Henry and Greg Walker stood out to me during the one-on-one portion. I thought Mo Fountain had a good day all around. He seemed to be in the offensive backfield most of the day. He caused one fumble against Chansi Stuckey and also had another sack.”

Stuckey did turn perhaps the best individual play however when he turned a third and short into a 40-yard touchdown run with some fine open field moves. There were only minor injuries reported. Todd McClinton who has missed the last three days of practice after suffering a feinting episode on Thursday, was at practice, but did not participate.

Two players missed the practice while attending Clemson graduation ceremonies in Littlejohn Coliseum. Wide receiver William Henry, Khaleed Vaughn, J.J. Howard and DeJuan Polk.