Friday July 07, 2006

Friday Mail Bag

Mickey: Love the blog...I look forward to it every day. Our football coaching staff has a well-deserved reputation as being excellent evaluators of talent. But since Tommy Bowden has been at Clemson, we have had a fair amount of turnover among assistant coaches. So my question is: Who are the top talent evaluators on this staff? Thanks.

JSJS,I think the system is set up well as far as evaluation is concerned. If a coach likes a prospect in his recruiting area he will take the film to the position coach. The coordinators will double check and Bowden will sometimes check it. The set of checks and balances is exactly what you are looking for. From my experiences in the past I will say that I like David Blackwell and Ron West?s approach. Blackwell says Clemson will not offer a player because everyone else has. They do not care about star rankings or anything on paper. With West, it takes a lot to get him excited about a prospect. He is very careful. Hope this helps.

Mickey,

Just wondering when fan appreciation is this year for Tiger football.
Thanks, Shanon (Ware Shoals)

Shanon,
I have not heard the date yet. Check on Tigernet in the next few weeks and we will have it as soon as they release it.

Hello Mickey,
I have really enjoyed your BLOG. I think you have done a great job of blending stories from Clemson?s past and current topics.
One question: How is Aaron Kelley doing in his rehab of his knee? Has he been able to work with the QB?s this summer in passing drills and take part in all voluntary workouts? I hope it doesn?t slow his development because he definitely showed some flashes of greatness last year.
Thanks,
Chip Class of ?91 Winston-Salem NC

Chip,
Aaron Kelly is 100% and should be ready for August practices. I agree about his development. He has a chance to be a great one. He also excels in the classroom.

Mick
When a signee fails to qualify and goes to a prep school or junior college,
does the school's scholarship pay for that? Is the recruit obligated in
any way to go to the original school that signed him once he qualifies?

Regan

Regan,

Good questions. Junior colleges give plays full scholarships in most cases. However, prep schools do not. The prospect has to pay the prep school for his tuition. The player is free to sign with whoever he chooses after he qualifies. Hope this helps.

Mickey,
Love the show and the blog - you are doing are terrific service to Tiger fans everywhere.
Quick question - I you only had time to read through one pre-season college football mag - which one do you "gotta have".
Thanks & Go Tigers,
Scott

Scott,
Thanks. I buy them all but the only one you need is Phil Steele?s magazine. It is by far the best of the bunch.

Mickey,
Hope you are doing well; appreciate your radio show every day & thought
I'd drop a question, in your mind; do you think CB Byron Maxwell's rehab is going well enough that he would contribute in 06? Also, would you go ahead and pencil in Jamie Cumbie & Ricky Sapp as back ups to Merling and Adams in 2006?
Thanks bud,
Wayne in Seneca

Wayne,
Maxwell is not coming until August. I would be surprised if he is ready then. I think it takes two years to be completely 100% mentally and physically especially at cornerback where you have to cut so much. Sapp and Cumbie have a chance with Sapp having a better chance because of his speed.

Mickey,

I really enjoy your blog. It helps me to stay up to date now that I have left my beloved alma mater and even my beloved state. But in about six weeks, I'll be leaving this great nation for two years with a new job I have started. I was wondering if you had any advice on where to go to see Clemson games overseas. I will have access to high speed internet, but have no idea if there's something offered through Clemson, their local broadcasts, or ESPN. Any help would be appreciated.

Chris

Chris,
You can listen to all of the games on the internet at www.wccpfm. Com or Clemsontigers.com. I think ESPN 360 is a new internet video feed. There is also a new product that Jim Rome advertises about getting your home TV signal on your laptop. You may want to inquire about that. I also know that the ESPN games will be up on satellite. Hope this helps. Good luck.

Mickey,
Do you think with the addition of CJ Spiller, Clemson will run the two back set? Or will they keep the backs fresh and rotate them in and out. What will Merriweather's roll be? Good to be a non-gamecock.
Tigerman1959

Tigerman,
I think you will see a lot more two back this season. They will also rotate backs often throughout each contest. Merriweather?s role was reduced late last year and will be cut into this season with Davis and Spiller but there is still a big role for him in this offense. Reggie will be fine.

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