Clemson Practice Brief – Monday, August 21

Aug. 21, 2006

Clemson, SC-It was a momentous day for Clemson’s 18 senior football players, especially for 13 fifth-year seniors. It was the last day of two-a-day practices in the August heat in their college football careers. It was a day that was met with great anticipation.

“You could hear them talking about it during flex (warm-ups)” said Tiger Head Coach Tommy Bowden. “It was certainly on their minds. But, we had a good full day of practice. They worked hard and that has been the case this preseason.”

The Tigers worked for 22 five-minute periods in the morning and for 18 in the afternoon on another hot day on the practice fields behind the Jervey Athletic Center.

Bowden talked about a few of his players after practice.

“Donnell Clark has been doing well, he is gaining more and more confidence after recovering from a torn ACL last year. He will have an impact this year.

“The hit of the day took place in a morning on a goal line scrimmage. Chris Chancellor put a lick on his brother, Demerick and jarred the ball loose (leading to a defensive recovery). It was quite a hit for the smaller brother against the bigger brother.”

Bowden also said the competition at punter continues to be strong.

“I have been happy with both the punters in terms of consistency and get-off time. That continued today. Jimmy Maners is a little ahead of Cole Chason,, but it is a strong battle. Richard Jackson has missed time with a back problem. It seems to be between Maners and Chason at this point.”

Maners is a first year junior from Rock Hill, SC who has not appeared in a game, while Chason has been Clemson’s starter each of the last three years. “Competition is the best coaching tool.”

While the punters have done well, Bowden’s snappers had a rough day. They stayed 45 minutes after the morning practice to work on their skills after some poor snaps during the morning practice.

The Tigers will practice once in the morning on Tuesday. Half of the workout will be devoted to a scrimmage on the practice fields. The team will take Wednesday off. That is the first day of school at Clemson. Preparation for Florida Atlantic, the season opening game on September 2, will begin on Thursday.