Band of Brothers and week one camp wrap up

by David Hood - Senior Writer - Sun Aug 11 18:42:22 GMT-04:00 2013

CLEMSON – The first full week of Clemson’s fall camp is in the books, and we’ve pulled some selected quotes and mini-stories from our interviews this week for a week-end wrap.

*Defensive end Corey CrawfordCorey Crawford
Jr. Defensive End
#93 6-5, 270
Columbus, GA
View Full Profile says he spent the entire summer readying himself to be a leader for a young defensive line.

*This whole summer I just spent on me,” Crawford said. “I just focused on me getting better so I could be a factor in this defense. Coach Swinney challenged me. What he told me was personal, and I am taking it personal and challenging myself this year. My sacks have to come up.”

*Quarterback Tajh BoydTajh Boyd
RS Sr. Quarterback
#10 6-1, 225
Hampton, VA
View Full Profile has been praised for his leadership by players and coaches alike, and defensive tackle Josh WatsonJosh Watson
RS Jr. Defensive Tackle
#91 6-4, 285
Wilmington, DE
View Full Profile told us this week that having Boyd back for his senior season was “a blessing.”

Boyd then told us that the reverse was actually true.

“I don’t even look at it like that,” Boyd said. “It’s a blessing and an honor to go out there and play with these guys. The same guys that I have sweat with and cried with. Just going out there and giving everything we’ve got. We know that if we want to be great it’s a lifestyle.”

Boyd said that “lifestyle” that was created over the summer made the transition into camp easier on everybody.

“We had a great summer leading into it. Our offense came in tune and our defense came in tune,” Boyd said. “I’m very encouraged by what I saw from the defensive side of the team. Those guys are going out there and competing as hard as they can. There’s going to be competition throughout the whole team and it’s good to see guys giving all that they had. This is just the first practice, but I guarantee these guys are going to work hard every practice.”

*Offensive lineman Eric Mac LainEric Mac Lain
RS So. Offensive Line
#78 6-3, 260
Hope Mills, NC
View Full Profile told us this week that senior right guard Tyler ShatleyTyler Shatley
Gr. Offensive Guard
#62 6-3, 295
Icard, NC
View Full Profile is the one player the other offensive lineman look up to.

“He’s kind of that Superman,” Mac Lain said. “He is just a beast – that’s the best way to put it. He’s that guy who we know is going to give his best. There’s never going to be a question. He’s constantly pushing us, constantly asking more from us and it’s just a good thing to have.”

Mac Lain is one of about ten player vying for a starting job on the offensive line, and he said there isn’t much difference between any of the ten.

“With the competition we’ve been having, it’s up for grabs,” Mac Lain said. “But I honestly think that we could all start a different week and just plug and play all of us.”

Mac Lain said the line is like a “Band of Brothers.”

“We are. We are like the Band of Brothers because we do everything together,” he said. “That started this summer. We go to eat together. When we are in the dining hall, we pull our tables together. That just makes us stronger.”

Mac Lain also said that having his little brother in camp has been special.

Sean Mac Lain is a freshman walk-on at tight end.

“It’s been great. Just having him here and helping him through things and watching him has been great. He is actually a little bit smarter than me so he is actually teaching me.”

Mac Lain said he wasn’t jealous about the fact that his little brother is staying at tight end, and hopes that one day little brother could catch a touchdown pass while he is on the field.

“That would be great. I pity whoever is in front of us. We would have a little something special planned.”

He did say that he wanted to catch a pass of his own this season.

“A little screen pass or something. I’m anxious to get my hands on the ball and run down the field.”

*Receiver Adam HumphriesAdam Humphries
Jr. Wide Receiver
#13 5-11, 190
Spartanburg, SC
View Full Profile said that the second week of camp will be back for coaches trying to find the best spot for all of the talented receivers in camp.

“Next week will be big for putting people in the right spots,” Humphries said. “There are a lot of good players here, and it will be important for all of us to play well.”

Humphries said he has been seeing most of the work at the “2-man” or slot position, but also takes reps at the “9-man” and “5-man” spots.

* Stanton SeckingerStanton Seckinger
RS So. Tight End
#81 6-4, 210
Isle of Palms, SC
View Full Profile , who came to Clemson as a wide receiver, told us he has fully embraced his role as a tight end.

“I am a tight end now. I love what we do with the tight ends in this offense,” he said. “Having played receiver before helps out with the route running and catching the football, but I feel like a tight end.”