Clemson Practice Brief

Aug. 12, 2008

Post-Practice Interview with Coach Bowden

Clemson, SC – Clemson practiced once for two and a half hours in full pads on Tuesday afternoon on the practice fields behind the Jervey Athletic Center. Clemson returns to two practices on Wednesday. Clemson is in the middle of its preseason practice schedule as the Tigers get ready for the season opener against Alabama in the Georgia Dome on August 30.

Coach Bowden talked about the kicking game after practice. “We have a three-way battle at punter,” said Bowden. “After looking at the punting charts and observing practice, Richard Jackson has come on of late. Jimmy Maners has the most experience. It will be a good competition the rest of the preseason. Mark Buchholz is the solid leader as the placekicker. Charles Roediger has done a good job at snapper, but Matt Skinner is gaining. I have also been impressed with Eddie Adams.

“I haven’t said much about the tight end position, but they are all doing well. We have six players in the mix right now. Michael Palmer is the starter, but Kasey Nobles has also had a good camp. That position is important in our offense and we play a lot of tight ends. It is not the glamour position like quarterback, running back and receiver where we have a lot of high profile players.”

Starting defensive tackle Rashaad Jackson had knee surgery to repair a torn quad tendon. He suffered the injury in Saturday’s scrimmage and Dr. Larry Bowman performed the surgery in Seneca, SC on Tuesday afternoon. The surgery was successful, but Jackson will be out until at least the middle of the season.

Jock McKissic was back at practice after missing Monday due to a slight concussion. Freshman Jamie Cumbie suffered a broken hand in Tuesday’s practice ,but will be full go on Tuesday after he has a cast applied. Rendrick Taylor returned to practice after missing a period of time due to personal matters. It was an excused absence.