News and notes from Thursday's practice

by David Hood - Senior Writer - Thu Aug 30 19:34:27 GMT-04:00 2012

CLEMSON – The Clemson Tigers finished preparations for Auburn with a Thursday afternoon practice, and with no new injuries to report, head coach Dabo Swinney Dabo Swinney
Head Coach
View Full Profile said the Tigers are as healthy as they have been all camp.

The only news on the injury front is that defensive back Martin JenkinsMartin Jenkins
Jr. Cornerback
#14 5-10, 180
Roswell, GA
View Full Profile had sports hernia surgery on Thursday, and right tackle Giff Timothy is fully recovered from the surgery to repair the meniscus tear in his right knee and will start Saturday night against Auburn.

Swinney was asked about the “OR” markings that litter the defensive depth chart, and he said that Tig Willard will start at the WILL, while Xavier BrewerXavier Brewer
Gr. Defensive Back
#9 5-11, 190
Jacksonville, FL
View Full Profile and Jonathan MeeksJonathan Meeks
Sr. Safety
#5 6-1, 210
Rock Hill, SC
View Full Profile will start at the safety spots. Rashard HallRashard Hall
Gr. Safety
#31 6-2, 210
St. Augustine, FL
View Full Profile , who played hurt most of last season, will also see plenty of action at safety.

He also said that both Corey CrawfordCorey Crawford
So. Defensive End
#93 6-5, 270
Columbus, GA
View Full Profile and Vic BeasleyVic Beasley
RS So. Defensive End
#3 6-3, 225
Adairsville, GA
View Full Profile will get snaps at defensive end on Saturday, and that DeShawn WilliamsDeShawn Williams
So. Defensive Tackle
#99 6-1, 285
Central, SC
View Full Profile , Grady JarrettGrady Jarrett
So. Defensive Tackle
#50 6-1, 290
Conyers, GA
View Full Profile and Josh WatsonJosh Watson
RS So. Defensive Tackle
#91 6-4, 285
Wilmington, DE
View Full Profile will also see plenty of action at the defensive tackle spots. He called those a "game-time decision."

Along the offensive line, David BeasleyDavid Beasley
RS So. Offensive Guard
#68 6-4, 315
Columbus, GA
View Full Profile gets the nod at left guard, but Swinney said that Kalon DavisKalon Davis
RS So. Offensive Guard
#67 6-5, 330
Chester, SC
View Full Profile – projected as the starter heading into fall camp – will also see snaps.

The SAM linebacker spot is manned by both Quandon Christian and freshman Travis Blanks , and Swinney said both will be on the field, depending on Auburn’s personnel.

Finally, I asked Swinney about the status of Bronze Star winner and Army veteran Daniel RodriguezDaniel Rodriguez
RS Fr. Wide Receiver
#83 5-8, 175
Stafford, VA
View Full Profile , and Swinney said Clemson fans might see No. 83 on the field Saturday night against Auburn.

“He has done a heck of a job. He is everything you would think he is,” Swinney said. “He is an incredible leader. He never stops motivating. Literally, he never stops talking at practice. He is either yelling at the scout team or he is at yelling the defense. He’s challenging the guys. You know, ‘Let’s get them ready. It’s your duty to get them right.’ Tons of energy and I definitely think he will have an opportunity to be on special teams this week and I think you will see him out there early. “

Clemson Injury Report

• Gifford TimothyGifford Timothy
RS So. Offensive Tackle
#70 6-6, 310
Middletown, DE
View Full Profile , OT, Knee, will play and will start at right tackle