Clemson Football Update

Sept. 12, 2002

Clemson, SC – Clemson Head Coach Tommy Bowden said Thursday after practice that starting center Jermyn Chester would not start against Georgia Tech on Saturday. Chester has been suffering from a “stinger” to his neck and upper shoulder. He has been medically cleared to play, however and is listed as questionable for the contest.

Tommy Sharpe, a walk-on who played 22 snaps against Georgia and six against Louisiana Tech, will make his first college start. That means Clemson will start four offensive linemen who will be making their third college start or less. William Henry will start at right tackle in place of Derrick Brantley, who was lost for the season when he suffered a torn ACL in the Louisiana Tech game. It will be the first career start for Henry, a native of Greenville.

Cedric Johnson, who will be making his second career start, will be back in the lineup at a guard position. He missed the Louisiana Tech game with an ankle sprain. Greg Walker will start at the other guard, his third career start. Gary Byrd will start at left tackle and this will be his 17th career start.

Bowden also said that starting fullback Chad Jasmin and starting running back Bernard Rambert would both miss Saturday’s game. Jasmin has a pulled groin muscle and Rambert has tendonitis in a foot. Rambert did not dress for the Louisiana Tech game, while Jasmin played just seven snaps in the first half.

Defensively, Khaleed Vaughn continued to improve after suffering a sprained ankle and sprained knee in practice on Tuesday. He is still listed as questionable for Saturday’s ACC opener. Todd McClinton, who also has had a sprained ankle, is also questionable. Derrick Brantley are out for the season with torn ACL injuries. Francis will have his knee reconstruction surgery on Saturday.