Saturday’s Football Practice Focuses On Kicking Game

Aug. 28, 1999

CLEMSON, S.C. – Clemson practiced for a little over two hours on Saturday morning in pads and shorts on the practice fields behind the Jervey Athletic Center.

The Tigers practice had an emphasis on the kicking game, but coach Tommy Bowden’s team did work on some other areas of play.

After Saturday’s practice, Bowden said there were several starting positions still open. Included in the several were the positions of tailback and quarterback. He said it was unlikely that he would name a starter before next Saturday’s opener with Marshall (6 p.m.).

Among the starting positions, Bowden also discussed after practice was the kickers. “Placekickers Tony Lazarra and Chris Campbell are still close, neck and neck,” Bowden said. “Punters Ryan Romano and Jamie Somaini look like they are back neck and neck.”

“Overall, at this stage of preseason practice, I feel we are where we need to be. I don’t think we are ready to play, but we still have a week before our first game. I am pleased with where we are at this stage.”

“However, physically we are behind because we have so many guys that are injured. T.J. Watkins, (Terry) Witherspoon, (DoMarco) Fox didn’t practice today, so I feel we are way behind physically,” Bowden said.

There were no injuries to report after Saturday’s practice. Second team offensive tackle Jermyn Chester had surgery on Friday to repair a torn ACL. Bowden said the surgery was successful. Chester, who was injured on the first day of practice, is lost for the season. The Clemson coaching staff will have meetings on Sunday while the players will have the day off. The Tigers will resume practicing on Monday.