Crosby Reports for Practice

Aug. 18, 2003

Clemson, SC – Clemson Wide receiver Roscoe Crosby reported to practice on Monday afternoon. It was his first practice for the Tiger football team since a spring practice in March of 2002. A starter in four games in 2001, he was a first-team USA Today All-American out of high school.

The Tigers worked twice on Monday ,the final day of two-a-day practices for the Tigers, who are preparing for an August 30 season opener against a top 10 (USA Today) Georgia team. Crosby did not practice in the morning as he was working on getting his academic schedule, taking a physical and getting fitted for his equipment, but worked out in shorts and a helmet in the afternoon.

The red-shirt sophomore from Buffalo, SC and Union High School must go through the NCAAs five day acclimatization period. He will not be able to put on full pads until the end of the week.

Head coach Tommy Bowden was pleased to have Crosby back on the football field. “He looked great in shorts and a helmet,” Bowden quipped after practice. “He can’t go against anyone else yet, but we are glad to have him with us. His mind is in the right place, we just don’t know yet what he will be able to do because he has not been on the football field in a long time. He certainly has great potential, we saw what he could do as a first-year freshmen when he set some Clemson records.

Bowden was pleased with what he saw physically. “He reported in under 200 pounds. I think he played at over 200 two years ago, so he looks to be in good shape. I thought he might come in at 210 and it would take him a while to get to his proper weight, but he looks to be at a good weight.”

Crosby was excited to be back on the field. “It feels great to be back, to be a part of a team again,” said Crosby after practice. “I just want to go out and work hard and help this team any way I can. We already have some great receivers on this team, I just want to come in and compete and do what I can. I feel great, we will just have to see when I can get on the field and help the team. I felt accepted by my teammates.”

Crosby was impressed with his teammates and commented on preseason All-America defensive back Justin Miller, who will defend him in practice. “I watched Clemson play last year and I was very impressed with Justin Miller. He is an outstanding cornerback who will be physical. He will make me a better player.”

Crosby is also confident he can work with quarterback Charlie Whitehurst. “We worked a lot together two years ago because I was on the same team (second) when I first started. He is a terrific passer. I am looking forward to working with Charlie.”

Bowden was pleased with the team’s overall performance on a hot day. The Tigers will practice once on Tuesday afternoon. Clemson starts regular semester classes on Wednesday. The Tigers will hold an afternoon stadium scrimmage.

The Tigers suffered just one injury in the morning practice. Starting linebacker LeRoy Hill suffered a sprained ankle that is not serious. He was at practice running in a yellow jersey in the afternoon.