Clemson Practice Brief

Aug. 6, 2006

Clemson, SC – Clemson held its first full football practice of the preseason on Saturday afternoon on the practice fields behind the Jervey Athletic Center. Tommy Bowden had to halt Friday night’s first practice after 27 minutes due to lightning strikes in the area.

Bowden moved up his Saturday practice 45 minutes from the original 2:45 PM start and he was able to get the full session in. The Tigers worked in shorts and helmets for three hours and 15 minutes.

“We were glad to finally get on the field for a full practice,” said Bowden, who is in his eighth season as the head coach of the Tigers. “It was not as hot as yesterday and there was actually a little breeze at times on the practice fields. It was a good full practice.”

Bowden singled out some senior leaders after the first day. “Anthony Waters, Duane Coleman, Chansi Stuckey and Reggie Merriweather were some of the seniors who stood out from a leadership standpoint to me. The defense did up-downs for about 10 minutes prior to doing the conditioning runs at the end of practice. That is something you must do if are going to be a championship football team.”

Bowden said the freshmen also looked good. “Richard Jackson punted the ball well during our punting drills at the beginning of practice. He is getting all the reps as the number-one punter with Cole Chason’s injury. C.J. Spiller looked quick, but they all look quick in shorts on the first day. All the freshmen looked good. It is there job to absorb as much as they can in these early practices.”

Three players were in yellow jerseys and did not practice on Saturday. Sergio Gilliam is recovering from a knee injury, while Cole Chason’s is out with a foot injury.

The Tigers will continue practice Sunday afternoon at 3:45 PM. The practice is closed to the public.