Clemson Holds Second Two-a-Day

Aug. 13, 2004

Clemson, SC – Clemson had its second day of two-a-day practices on Friday. It was a productive day as the weather was sunny and the temperature was in the high 70s for much of the practice sessions, much different from the weather problems faced by teams in the state of Florida. The Tigers worked for two hours in full pads in the morning and for two hours in shorts and shoulder pads the early evening.

The team will have a Saturday morning scrimmage at Death Valley, weather permitting. The team will have Sunday off, then have its final two-a-day practice on Monday.

Head Coach Tommy Bowden started his post-practice comments to the media by complimenting his freshman class. “I am really pleased with the progress of the freshman class,” said Bowden of his group that includes 19 scholarship players. “I have talked about the two freshman offensive tackles (Barry Richardson and Akeem Robinson) previously and they have continued to play well. But Michael Hamlin (defensive back) and the two wide receivers, La’ Donte Harris and Aaron Kelly, have also played well. I have been impressed with the two quarterbacks, Tribble Reese and Cullen Harper.

“What impresses me the most has been their attitude and the way they fit in with the rest of the team. “

Bowden said the defense has had the upper hand the last two days and that is something he has been looking for. “We have had flashes in the past where the defense has dominated and I am looking for that to happen on a consistent basis. We made our run at the end of the year because our defense was dominating. If we are going to become a great team we must have a dominating defense.

“Charles Bennett and Jamaal Fudge are two players who have stood out lately. They have been consistent and that is something I have been looking for. Charles came on strong in the bowl game and had a really good spring. It looks like he has continued that in the preseason.”

Four players were in yellow jerseys and did not practice on Friday. Michael Collins, junior wide receiver from Commerce, GA, continues to miss time with a leg injury. Kevin Burnette, a senior tight end from Potomac Falls, VA, is recovering from surgery to repair a torn ACL. Chip Myrick, starting junior offensive tackle from Atlanta, GA, is out with mononucleosis and Duane Coleman, junior tailback from Naples, FL, is still sidelined with a broken foot.

Two players had surgery on Friday, as Vontrell Jamison, a defensive end, had surgery on his broken arm and Roy Walker, a free safety, had surgery to repair a torn ACL. Jamison will return this year, but Walker will miss the season. Both were listed as second team players entering the fall. Bowden said both surgeries were successful.

Two wide receivers were welcomed back to practice on Friday after missing practice on Thursday. Kelvin Grant was back full strength after missing Thursday with a bruised knee. Curtis Baham suffered a slightly separated shoulder in the first day of practice, but he returned to full duty on Friday.

Wide receiver Chansi Stuckey was limited in the afternoon practice on Friday with a hip injury, but he is expected to be back at practice on Saturday.