Clemson Holds Second Day of Practice

Aug. 7, 2005

Clemson held its second practice of the preseason on Saturday afternoon at the practice fields behind the Jervey Athletic Center. For the second straight day it rained on the practice, but lightning did not threaten and the team worked for three continuous hours. Unlike Friday, there were no weather delays and the workout proceeded on schedule.

Tommy Bowden’s team worked in helmets, jerseys and shorts for the second consecutive day and will move into shells on Sunday and Monday. The Tigers will put on the pads on Tuesday.

The practice schedule was similar to the first day. Each practice has started with considerable work on special teams. “We have both starting kickers back, but you still have to work on that aspect of the game quite a bit,” said Bowden. “We need to find a backup punter. It will make Cole Chason a better player.”

The Tigers also worked on field goal and extra point kicking. Chason is also the starting holder, but Bowden said freshman receiver Tyler Grisham also worked as a holder during the practice.

When asked about an area of the team that had gotten off to a good start, Clemson’s head coach singled out the tight ends. “All the tight ends have really done a good job so far. They all reported in good condition and will be a big part of our offense this year. That has not been the case since I have been at Clemson, but it is something I have done when I was an offensive coordinator.”

Offensive coordinator Rob Spence has said he hoped the tight end position would be a part of 15-20 percent of Clemson’s offense this year. Tight ends have caught 35-45 passes in his offenses in the past.

Bowden was impressed with his freshman class on Friday and he continued that theme on Saturday when he discussed defensive back Haydrian Lewis, a native of Charleston and Stratford High School. “We have been surprised by how strong Lewis is,” said Bowden. “He seems very comfortable in the secondary and is fundamentally sound. He comes from a quality program, you can see that.”

Clemson will continue practice on Sunday afternoon. The practice is closed to the public.