Friday August 08, 2008

Friday E-Mail Bag

Friday E-Mail Bag
Each Friday I publish your comments and answer your questions. To submit a comment or questions please e-mail me at mickeyplyler@hotmail.com.

Mickey,
I know a lot of schools are still going after Poppa Loston pretty hard, I was just wondering how often he talks to his recruiter and what do they talk about? Does he plan on enrolling early? What are our chances with Jarvis Jones and Branden Smith? Thanks!!
Yagerman

Yagerman,
Coaches cannot call recruits this time of year. The recruits can call coaches though. Coaches are allowed to call prospects again in September. I am sure he calls Clemson coaches often. I think he still has plans to enroll early but this is a national recruit from another region of the country so the staff knows they will have to keep an eye on him until he enrolls or signs.

I think Clemson has a good chance at both Jones and Smith. They will have to beat Georgia, Auburn and a ton of other schools for each but the staff has positioned itself well with both at this point.

Mickey,

Since Memphis lost the NCAA championship by following Coach Purnell's strategy and since this method resulted in widespread criticism, do you believe that Coach Purnell has reconsidered how he should coach again if ahead by 3 points in the last 10 seconds of a game. If we foul, then the other team must 1. Make the first free throw. 2. Miss the second free throw. 3. Get the rebound. 4. Score after the rebound. Four things must work out in their favor as opposed to just making one three pointer. Would you please ask Coach Purnell if he has changed his mind about this strategy at the end of games when up 3 late?
David

David,
The staff knows more than me but I have always felt Taylor’s best position is wide receiver. He did not work at on defense and I am not sure he is a natural running back. He is not a tight end either. I would consider red-shirting Taylor and playing him at wide out next season.

I have not talked to the basketball staff about it since last season but they always consider the option. I think it mainly depends on each game. It depends on exactly how much time is left also. I never thought it was the right thing to do but it really depends. If you do it with five seconds left then the team can foul you after the free throws and have another shot. If you wait too late then they may be in the act of shooting. It is a good question but it depends on the circumstance.

Mickey,
I am so happy to hear that Ryan is improving every day. I will continue to pray for a healthy and speedy recovery. My first question is what do you know about Craig Loston being a soft verbal? I have read numerous times about how he might be re-thinking his commitment to Clemson. Also, I heard that we have dropped out of the Top 3 for Stephon Gilmore? What happened with that? I thought Holloman transferring to South Pointe would help us in getting Gilmore. Thanks!

Grey

Grey,
Loston has always said he would take other visits if my memory serves me well. He is a great player and other schools will continue to recruit him. I would not be over confident with him until he signs or is on campus. Gilmore has a lot of people in the school and in the family that are involved. He is getting a lot of advice from a lot of people and some have turned against Clemson. Signing day is a long way away but at this time Clemson is not in the best shape for Gilmore. This is why you still recruit Brandon Smith, Dre Kirkpatrick and Darius Winston.

Mick,
Expectations are always high for Clemson, but there is one thing you haven't touched on, we are talking about 18,19 20 year kids, there will be some lets downs and upside, but it is the responsibility of the coaching staff to keep the player upbeat day in and day out as well as on Saturdays, each team has players that can and will step their game up.
Now as far as the Va Tech game last year, the special teams for Va Tech won that game, working the security for each game I do get see most of it and their offense could hardly move the ball at the first half, so it is a 60 minute game for all.
My expectations for this year, we play Georgia for the National championship? Realistically 10 -2 maybe 9-3
Could happen
Tiger Mike

Tiger Mike,
The season is long and there are so many factors every week. I think Clemson is as good or better than anyone on the schedule but no one goes undefeated this year. I think 11-1 would be a great season but am prepared for 10-2. I think Georgia loses the SEC East to Florida.

Mickey,
Good to hear about Ryan's discharge date and your plans for his birthday party. We continue to keep him in our thoughts and prayers.

Kirk

Kirk,
Thanks. Clemson has enough offensive weapons to make an impact against any defense. I think Wake Forest is good enough in its front seven to really cause headaches for offenses though. I am not sure FSU will be as good on that side of the ball this season.

Mickey,
Glad to hear about Ryan?s progress. I am a definite believer in the power of prayer.
My question is about the offensive coaching for this season. Has there been any talk or discussions about Spence?s play calling or offensive strategy since we have so many weapons to choose from this season? Also our tight end depth seems to be the best that it has in years. Will Spence be using these guys primarily as blockers or will they be thrown to more than once per game?
Last question. In my opinion, it seems like Spence?s coaching strategy in the past has been to attack for one half and then play conservative during the other. Is this just me or do other fans feel the same way?

Examples: Carolina game. 1st half was attack, attack, attack. 2nd half, play not to lose (excluding last drive to set-up field goal). Virginia Tech. 1st half, play conservative (don?t score many points). 2nd half, attack and we scored points.
I understand that teams go into half-time and make adjustments, but it would be nice to see Spence try and win games instead of not trying to lose them. Thoughts?
This is the first time I?ve posted on your blog. Keep up the great work!
Thanks!
Lee

Lee,
Thanks for the kind words about Ryan and keep posting.

I am not sure why Spence gets criticism. He has been the offensive coordinator for three seasons and Clemson has won more games in that stretch than any three seasons since 1989-91. No three seasons in 17 years have produced this many wins. Also look at the school records the offense continues to break. Last year, with an average offensive line, this team scored more points than any team in school history. Under Spence, Clemson has set rushing records, passing record, receiving records and records for points. I think the guy is very good. I understand some criticism in specific games like the Kentucky bowl game but as a whole I think he has done a very good job and the numbers indicate just that.

As far as the tight ends are concerned, you are correct in seeing the rise in the talent level. They will use them this year but the best coaches use their strengths and the strength of this team lies more in the other skill areas. In my opinion, every time you throw it to the tight end is a time that Davis, Spiller, Kelly, Grisham and Ford do not touch it.

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