Clemson Football Practice Report: Day 2

Aug. 5, 2009

All-Access Video: Post-Practice Interviews

Clemson, SC – Clemson got a late start, but had a solid near two and a half hour practice on Wednesday evening. The Tigers were delayed in starting practice 40 minutes due to lightning in the area, but had a productive evening.

Clemson is in the five-day NCAA mandated acclimatization period. The Tigers will have practice each evening on Thursday through Saturday, then take Sunday off. Monday morning’s practice will be the first in full pads. Clemson will practice twice that day, the first of four two-a-day practices during the pre-school schedule.

“It was a good day of practice,” said Swinney. “I told the team that this was how championship teams practice. There was energy like there was the first day, but they played smarter today.”

In many ways, Swinney was not surprised it turned out to be a good day. “This morning my wife reminded me that it was the anniversary of our first date, 22 years ago, and that C.J. Spiller was born on the same day, August 5, 1987. Plus it was a full moon tonight so everything was in line to have a good day and practice.”

Swinney mentioned a few of his players in his postgame meeting with the media. “Ricky Sapp looked like Ricky Sapp today and I am anxious to see him with the full pads on this coming Monday. I was very impressed with Rendrick Taylor. He caught the ball out of the backfield, and from tight end, and ran very well also.

“Byron Maxwell worked hard all summer. He worked out twice a day and I am proud of what he has done these first two days. Kevin Alexander also looked good at defensive end.”

J.K. Jay were both in yellow jerseys and missed the practice. Ford suffered the injury while fielding punts in Tuesday’s first practice. Jay has a back injury.

Jaron Brown and Bryce McNeal were two receivers who missed the practice to take a final exam for the summer session. “Today was the last day of summer school finals so we get them for all football now until August 19.”