Thursday September 18, 2008

Clemson Notes; Ryan Update

Clemson Notes; Ryan Update
I just wanted to drop in a few notes on a Thursday:
*I received sad news this morning when I got an e-mail concerning Bill D’Andrea. He lost his father last night. According to a source, Billy D will travel home this weekend to be with his family and prepare for a Monday funeral. Please keep the D’Andreas in your prayers.

*I mentioned it yesterday but thought it would be OK for a reminder that the Clemson volleyball team opens its defense of their ACC title tonight at Jervey Gym at 7:00 pm against last year’s runner-up Georgia Tech. This is a Solid Orange event and admission is free. I know the team and staff would welcome your support. In case tonight is your first time, prepare to be impressed with the speed and athleticism of the game.

*I am impressed with James Davis’ attitude and maturity. Obviously his senior season has not gone according to plan. In the past Davis has been outspoken and sometimes said a few things that some fans have looked down upon. Davis still seems to speak his mind but he seems to have matured and is now a terrific leader. I think the turning point in his leadership came last year when he guaranteed a win against Maryland and came through with a monster performance especially on key downs. It is one thing to step out and guarantee a win but it is another to pick the team up and put it on his shoulders. Something tells me Davis will still help this team win key games this season.

*I must admit I was wrong about C.J. Spiller. I had doubted his toughness in the past but he has changed his makeup. Spiller now delivers the blow. Like Davis, Spiller has matured and his might be more physical. What we are now witnessing is a phenomenal athlete that can beat an opponent in several different ways.

*I was encouraged to see Tommy Bowden respond by challenging his team and the issue of toughness. Hopefully this attention will turn this aspect around. It would be nice to see a linebacker knock the stew out of a ball carrier every once in a while.

*Special teams have been a breath of fresh air this season. Let’s give Andre Powell the credit he deserves here. So far in three games the Tigers have won the special teams battle. That is something the offense and defense cannot say to this point.

*The season is still young and the focus is on an ACC title this year but I still can’t help to think about the solid foundation of the program. Am I wrong for thinking the freshmen are incredible looking athletes? Willy Korn, Jamie Harper, Chad Diehl, Marquan Jones, Mason Cloy, David Smith, Landon Walker, Antoine McClain, Da’Quan Bowers, Andre Branch, Brandon Thompson, Brandon Maye, Stanley Hunter, Coty Sensabaugh and Dawson Zimmerman have already played and most have showed tremendous potential.

*The news on the red-shirt candidates is also positive. Kyle Parker, Andre Ellington, Jaron Brown, Matt Sanders and Dwayne Allen are players that could have played this season if needed.

*I am not sure where I missed the news but Catalin Baciu will not play the first five games this year for Oliver Purnell’s club because of a suspension. He violated amateur rules at some point in his past and the NCAA will penalize him for the first five contests.

*I have made some statements about the Clemson athletic department on my radio show the past two days and have received a lot of e-mails inquiring about the information I presented. I had planned on a blog today on the subject but I am still talking to sources in an attempt to gather more information on the subject. I hope to publish a blog on the subject in the middle of next week and it will be more accurate with more facts because of this delay.

The background on the subject came up Wednesday when a caller inquired about a statement I made earlier about replacing Bowden. My point was that I do not trust those who would be making the decision of Bowden’s potential replacement. I made the argument that leadership in the athletic department was lacking and moral was dropping.

The facts are that Clemson has won three ACC championships in the last four years. Baseball won the conference in 2006, women’s tennis won the ACC in 2007 and last year the women’s volleyball team took home the title. Those are facts that cannot be denied. Maybe championships are not the measuring stick but that would be a surprise to many.

There are issues that have some prominent Clemson boosters concerned and I will touch more on that next week. There are issues that some Olympic sport coaching staffs have concerns about and I will touch on that next week as well.

This will be an attempt to bring to light some issues that hopefully can help. Hopefully we all would rather be a part of the solution instead of part of the problem. Unfortunately there are several problems that need to be addressed.

Clemson has a great athletic heritage and it hurts to see the athletic department struggle to win championships.

I look forward to your feedback and your suggestions next week when you get a chance to digest some of these concerns.

*Finally, I just wanted to give an update for those that have followed Ryan’s progress. He is a miracle. Last Saturday was one of the proudest moments of my life when Ryan and I were able to enjoy the Clemson-NC State game together. He had a great time and is looking forward to another great game this weekend. Ryan is excelling in his rehab in terms of physical, occupational and speech therapy. He has also started school where a teacher comes to his house and has impressed her. Ryan continues his road to a full, 100% recovery. Among the most amazing aspects of his recovery are his attitude and his determination. Ryan’s balance is improving and is progressing towards walking. His hand to eye coordination continues to get better and he can now use a keyboard. His speech improves every day also. God has blessed us and Ryan’s courage and strength continues to be inspirational. Thanks for your continued prayers.

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