Clemson Holds Long, Hot Workout

Aug. 11, 2005

Clemson, SC – Clemson held its seventh consecutive one-a-day practice on Thursday, leading up to the first two-a-day of the year on Friday. Tommy Bowden’s team will work in the morning from 8:15 AM to 10:30 AM, then in the evening from 4:30 to 7:00 PM. Today was the seventh of nine consecutive days of practice for the Tigers, who will break for Fan Appreciation Day at Death Valley on Sunday from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM.

It was perhaps the hottest day of the preseason, a good test for the Tigers. “It was hot out there, it was a long, hard practice,” said Head Coach Tommy Bowden’s. “I am sweating and I didn’t even run. But, we got a lot done, we went about three hours and 20 minutes.

“The offense was ahead of the defense. Aaron Kelly stood out again. I know I talk about him every day it seems, but I don’t think he has dropped a ball in practice yet. He is getting to he point where we are shocked if he has a drop, just like we used to be when Rod Gardner was here (1999-2000, Bowden’s first two years). I am not saying Aaron is as talented as Rod Gardner, just that he has been very consistent with his concentration.”

The Tigers concluded the practice with a 25-minute scrimmage. James Davis, the freshman running back from Atlanta, had a 50-yard run that impressed Bowden. He also cited the play of Roman Fry at center. “Roman is competing for a starting position at two places. He has done a good job as the starting center when Dustin Fry has been out.” Bowden also pointed out the fine play of Cole Downer during the scrimmage.

“C.J. Gaddis had some good hits on defense and had a consistent day. Michael Hamlin also had some big plays, while Tye Hill and Jamaal Fudge were solid in the secondary. Nick Watkins had a big hit in the backfield near the end of the practice.”

Two players were in yellow jerseys and did not practice. Dustin Fry was not in a yellow jersey, but saw just limited action due to a pulled hamstring, an injury that has plagued him a good bit of the summer and throughout the preseason work. There were no new injuries reported during the practice.