Rambert, Francis Out for Home Opener

Sept. 5, 2002

Clemson, SC – Clemson Head Coach Tommy Bowden said Thursday that starting running back Bernard Rambert would miss the Louisiana Tech game due to tendinitis in a foot and that Toure Francis would miss the rest of the season due to a knee injury.

Rambert started the Georgia game at running back and had 10 carries for 35 yards. He has not practiced all week and will be reevaluated next week. Francis suffered a torn ACL in the Georgia game and will miss the rest of the season.

Starting wide receiver Derrick Hamilton has been upgraded from doubtful to questionable for Saturday’s home opener with the Bulldogs. Hamilton has a strained tendon in a lower leg. Cedric Johnson, starting guard, has a sprained ankle and is also questionable.

Keith Kelly will start in Rambert’s slot at running back, while Kevin Johnson will get the start in place of Francis at cornerback. Johnson played all but 12 snaps against Georgia and had two passes broken up.

If Hamilton can’t start, walk-on receiver Tony Elliott will get the call. If Johnson can’t go, Nick Black will start. It would be the first career start for Elliott or Black.

Bowden also announced that Francis was placed scholarship. The opening came about when freshman Tymere Zimmerman did not enter school.

High School Tickets Available for Louisiana Tech

Clemson Ticket Manager Van Hilderbrand said Thursday that the school will have a high school gate for Saturday’s game with Louisiana Tech. Students high school age and under will be allowed to buy a $6 ticket at Gate 11 starting at 10:00 AM.