Clemson Football Practice Report: Day 8

Aug. 12, 2009

All-Access Video: Coach Swinney’s Post-Practice Interview

Clemson, SC — Clemson had its second day of two-a-day practices on Wednesday. The Tigers worked for two hours and 15 minutes in the morning and for an hour and a half in the evening.

Much of the day was spent reviewing the film from Tuesday’s scrimmage and correcting mistakes. Coach Dabo Swinney felt better about his team after watching the film on Tuesday afternoon and evening.

“We played better than I thought,” said Swinney. “I was very disappointed with the penalties (on offense) and a lack of attention to detail immediately after the scrimmage. And I still feel that way about those mistakes. But after watching the film we played better overall than I thought.

Tuesday was the first of three preseason scrimmages in an eight-day period for the Tigers. Clemson will hold another scrimmage on Saturday at Death Valley, followed by a third scrimmage on August 18. All scrimmages are closed to the public. Clemson will break camp for the start of school on August 19.

Swinney was impressed with the performance of his defense after the scrimmage on Tuesday and he was still happy with that performance on Wednesday. “We have a chance to be pretty salty on defense. I look out there and really can’t tell the difference between the units. I was talking to Jamie Cumbie yesterday and he said it doesn’t make any difference who starts, they are just waiting to have their name called.

“There is great depth on the defensive front and the secondary. The linebackers are doing well also. I was really impressed with Kavell Conner’s performance on Tuesday. He has had a terrific preseason.”

Swinney spoke to the team after Wednesday’s practice about the importance of the special teams. “We lost the bowl game to Nebraska by six points. In that game we had a missed field goal from close range and had a punt blocked that they turned into a field goal. Had we converted those two special teams situations we would have been driving for a winning field goal on our last possession, not trying to score a touchdown to win the game.

“So every special teams play can have a big impact on the game. I discussed that with the team after practice.”

J.K. Jay had back surgery on Wednesday and will be lost for the season. The surgery was termed successful by Swinney after practice when he spoke to the team. Three wide receivers missed the practice due to injury. Brandon Clear with a rib injury and freshman Bryce McNeal with a mild concussion.