Wednesday February 21, 2007

AARC Update; TDP; Fry; Draft of 2010 and 2011

AARC Update
I have had so many meetings, phone calls, e-mails and text messages on the AARC. Some of those meetings were confidential so please be patient with what I can release. I can tell you that the president, athletic director, provost, board of trustees, faculty and staff have had numerous meetings on the subject. At first I was discouraged by the news I was receiving but I think your voices is being heard and now I am more encouraged. There are still meetings going on as I write this blog and many more scheduled. Hopefully in the near future I will be able to share some good news with you on this subject. I know this may sound very vague and may be frustrating but those behind the scenes are trying to do the majority of the work behind the scenes. I believe this is the proper way to handle it and I think the movement will be much more productive and effective if they are allowed time to work on the problems.

In summary, I would say that your actions have been effective. Your voice has been heard. It is not over and not all news will be good but at this time I anticipate some good news on the subject soon. Unfortunately the all-mighty dollar is always a priority and the March 15 IPTAY deadline is approaching. Please be patient and as soon as I can I will let you know what changes will be in place and when they will be in place. The investigation is going faster than I thought and I think we will hear something sooner than I thought. Also keep in mind that this still a volatile situation and so many different people are involved. In many ways there are very complicated issues at the forefront but I still think the solutions are simple. Here is what I am hoping to hear soon:

1. We have reviewed the process and think we have improved upon the old system. We made some mistakes and hope this will go a long way to correct it.
2. The playing field is more level after these changes.
3. There are personnel changes on the AARC.
4. The AARC will go back to working WITH the athletic department. Reviews will go back to being more of a post-signing day committee.
5. Therefore, signing a prospect and placing him/her in a prep school will not be the major issue in the future.
6. You are important to us and we will be more accessible in the future.

If the the administration gets close to this then I believe CLEMSON will be ONE again.

TDP
As I stated in Monday's blog I would have been surprised if Terry Don Phillips had interest in the Arkansas job. The athletic director met with reporters yesterday and confirmed that. Phillips still has his hands full in this AARC situation and knows things will always be challenging here at Clemson. However, Arkansas has issues also and in some ways more issues than Clemson.

Draft Continued
Yesterday we looked at the next three draft classes and the potential of some Clemson players. Today, just for fun, we dive even deeper into the future and ponder the future draft status of the Classes of 2010 and 2011.

Class of 2010
Jacoby Ford-At 5-9 and 185 pounds, Steve Smith may be the best wide receiver in the NFL today. Because defensive backs are not allowed to be as physical with receivers under the current rules the smaller receiver has had a lot of success in the past two or three years. Most of the high profile big receivers have been disappointments. Currently Ford is too small but he continues to get bigger and stronger he will increase his chances in the NFL. He is still a raw receiver but he also continues to improve all aspects of his game. Ford would be among the fastest players in the league. Track may be a better long-term option and it appears he will have a future in that sport also.

Corey Lambert-Almost every time he mentions his name Brad Scott points out that Lambert has NFL potential. He also reminds you that that potential is still a long way off but it is there. As Lambert becomes more experienced and learns how to play the game he can work his way into this conversation.

Thomas Austin-I am a huge Thomas Austin fan. I think he can do anything he puts his mind to and if the NFL is what he wants then I think he can make that happen. Keep an eye on this future leader of the offensive line.

Jamie Cumbie-This true freshman has all of the tools a pro scout is looking for and his experience will help determine his future as far as the NFL is concerned. He appears to have the work ethic needed and his frame is close to what you already see on Sundays. We will find out how productive he can become as his playing time grows.

Kevin Alexander-This may be a reach at this point but I think Alexander has a huge upside. He has the size to get on the NFL radar soon. Alexander probably could have benefited from a red-shirt season but he will be pressed to play more this coming season. Ask me again in 2008.

Crezdon Butler-Talk about productivity. This true freshman made a bunch of plays this past season. He showed good cover skills and I was impressed with how physical he was. I think Butler has as much potential as any true freshman on defense.

Class of 2011
Byron Maxwell-We still have not seen Maxwell and his health may always be a factor. With that said I would still keep an eye on his development. In many ways he is much more talented than some former Tigers who have played in the league. It may sound crazy now and again I ask if he can be re-evaluated again after next season?

Richard Jackson-At this point we don't know if Jackson will be a punter or a place-kicker or both. The potential is still there and coaches love his work ethic. Like so may on this list until it transforms from potential to production then it is pre-mature to talk about.

Fry Progressing
I had a chance to speak with Roman Fry last night and he said his rehab is two months ahead of schedule. He had a visible scar on his knee but was moving around without a limp. He said he has been working out and will soon be completely cleared. He was not at the combine because he is currently restricted by physicians on what he can do. Fry said he is hoping to be 100% cleared by the Clemson pro day and still has hopes to be drafted.

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