McClinton Accepted To Clemson As Partial Qualifier

Sept. 6, 2000

Clemson, SC – Freshman tight end Todd McClinton has been accepted to Clemson as a partial qualifier, Clemson head coach Tommy Bowden said Wednesday. The 6-6, 250-pound native of Columbia, SC will begin classes at Clemson on Thursday.

As a partial qualifier, McClinton will be allowed to practice with the team, but will not be eligible to play in games. “We are pleased that Todd McClinton will be joining our team on Thursday,” said Bowden. “We are looking forward to having Todd on the practice field. I would like him to join us as quickly as possible so he can feel a part of the team.”

McClinton will have the opportunity to gain a fourth year of eligibility if he graduates from Clemson prior to the beginning of the 2004 season.

McClinton was ranked as the number-one tight end in the nation by some services last year and was regarded by many as the top recruit in Clemson’s 2000 freshman class. The Shrine Bowl performer had 32 catches for 663 yards and six touchdowns last year at C.A. Johnson High. He also had 237 yards on kick returns and rushed 47 times for 450 yards.

McClinton is the second partial qualifier in this year’s class (Terrance Huey is the other). To allow a second partial qualifier in the same class on the same athletic team, Clemson had to appeal to the Atlantic Coast Conference. The appeal was granted.

Bowden said that starting tackle T.J. Watkins suffered a sprained ankle in practice on Wednesday during middle drill. The severity of the injury will be known on Thursday. Matt Bailey missed practice on Wednesday as he recovers from a pulled groin muscle suffered in Tuesday’s practice.