Clemson Football Practice

Aug. 11, 2008

Post-Practice Interview with Coach Bowden

Clemson, SC – Clemson was back at two-a-day practices on Monday. The Tigers worked for two-and-a-half hours in the morning in full pads and for two hours in the early evening in shells. The Tigers are preparing for the season opener against Alabama at The Georgia Dome on August 30.

Head Coach Tommy Bowden reviewed Saturday’s scrimmage with the media after the last practice. “It was a good scrimmage, but we still have a lot of work to do on both sides of the ball. It did give us a lot of film on just about everyone so we can isolate on what we need to have corrected. It will allow us to look at the offensive line and determine who are the best guards, who are the best tackles, etc.

“Chris Hairston has done a good job at tackle. He is our best tackle, but Cory Lambert is closing the gap (both are starters). Cory has made improvement over these 10 days. Coming out of the spring Chris was by far our best tackle, but Cory is getting closer.”

Bowden also talked about the special teams. Mark Buchholz made a 50-yard field goal in the scrimmage and had a good day today. We are in pretty good shape at kicker. I said after the scrimmage that there was a competition at punter. Dawson Zimmerman was the top kicker in the scrimmage. We will chart the kickers throughout the preseason.

“Andre Powell has brought a lot of new things to the table as special teams coordinator. He has done a good job in that area. This is the first time I have had someone on my staff who was a special teams coordinator before he got here.”

Xavier Dye was back at full strength on Monday after wearing a green jersey for a week due to a shoulder injury. Antwon Murchison missed both practices with a knee injury. Jock McKissic missed the day due to a concussion suffered in Saturday’s scrimmage.

Clemson will have just one practice on Tuesday, but is scheduled for two workouts on Wednesday.