Wednesday Clemson Football Practice Report

Aug. 23, 2000

CLEMSON – With the start of classes Wednesday at Clemson and an end to the rigorous two-a-day schedule, the Tigers turned their attention to The Citadel, the opponent in the season opener on Sept. 2.

“Our offense had a hard time simulating their offense, the flex-bone, wish-bone or whatever they call it,” said head coach Tommy Bowden. “Their defense is a little bit easier to execute.”

Bowden announced that two athletes have ended their playing careers because of injury and another has decided to transfer. Junior offensive guard Neely Page has missed most of summer drills with back problems and sophomore linebacker Travis Roberts has missed many drills because of asthma. Both will receive medical redshirts for the current season.

Senior wide receiver Mike Seth has decided to leave the football team, but will remain at Clemson to finish his degree in December. Bowden indicated that Seth will likely transfer to a Division I-AA school to complete his final year of eligibility next season.

“With these losses, our walkons become more important,” Bowden said. “What the losses mean is that our depth is crucial.”

Bowden also announced that senior free safety Robert Carswell will undergo surgery on Friday to mend his thumb that was injured in Tuesday’s scrimmage. Bowden indicated he did not know how long Carswell will miss, but said he would be out for the season opener against The Citadel on Sept. 2. Bowden hopes Carswell will be ready to return for the second game of the season, Sept. 9, against Missouri.

“(The team) better stay healthy and play pretty good,” Bowden said. “I’ll play everybody I got if they’re healthy.”

Continuing to miss practice are: junior center Kyle Young (foot), senior wide receiver Justin Watts (knee), freshman wide receiver Derrick Hamilton (hamstring), freshman running back Keith Kelly (hip flexor), freshman walkon running back Ron Allen (fractured hand).