Tigers Return To Practice Field Monday

Aug. 12, 2002

Clemson, SC – After a “day off” to meet with supporters during Fan Appreciation Day on Sunday, the Clemson Tigers returned to the practice fields for two workouts on Monday. It was the last day in shorts for the Tigers, who will put on the full pads for the first time on Tuesday.

Clemson practiced for two hours and 45 minutes in the morning and two hours and a half in the afternoon on the practice fields behind the Jervey Athletic Center. It was the third of 10 scheduled two-a-day practices.

“Willie Simmons threw the ball well today, especially in the morning practice,” said Bowden of his graduate quarterback who still has two years of eligibility. “The receivers are doing a good job catching the ball also.

“We had some defensive backs who made some players (interceptions), but we also dropped some passes in skeleton drills that should have been turnovers and no points for the offense. The last three years we have dropped a lot of passes on defense. We must improve in that area.

“Travis Pugh had an interception in the morning and in the evening and Jamaal Fudge had won tonight. David Dunham had an interception in the morning and has looked good on defense. He is only 205 pounds, but has shown previously that he is a contact player. He has done a good job in the middle.”

Bowden is anxious to see his team in full pads tomorrow and plans to do more hitting in the preseason than last year. “We have a lot of youth on both lines. The defensive line needs to practice the physical part of the game and the offensive line needs to communicate, that is so important. You only get that experience by hitting and doing goal line work. We will do much more of that this year than last year.”

Only three Tigers missed the practice due to injury. Brian Carr is out with a hamstring injury, while Dustin Fry, the freshman offensive lineman who suffered a dislocated kneecap last week, also is in a yellow jersey. Kevin Youngblood saw just limited action due to a sprained foot.