News and notes from Wednesday's scrimmage |
AUDIO: Dabo Swinney after practice audio
AUDIO: Chad Morris after practice audio CLEMSON – Quarterback
Tajh BoydTajh Boyd Quarterback #10 6-1, 230 Hampton, VA View Full Profile
continued his strong fall camp on Wednesday, turning in another strong effort during a situational scrimmage held in Death Valley. Clemson Sports Information Director Tim Bourret said he arrived at the scrimmage a little late, but he had Boyd at 10-for-15 for 186 yards and a couple of touchdown tosses in what Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney said was one of the best practices he has seen out of the Tiger offense in his entire time at Clemson. “Offensively it was really good. It was probably as clean and as crisp and as well-executed that I've seen, certainly since I've been at Clemson,” Swinney said. “I am very, very impressed with what we did on offense today. Offensively focused. Very few penalties. It was the second scrimmage in a row for Tajh with no turnovers. Threw and caught the ball very well. The backs ran well. It was just a very productive day offensively.” Swinney was quick to point out however, that if the offense has a good day, then that means the defense struggled. "That usually means things weren't very good defensively and that was the case,” he said. “We had a few guys out today. Brandon [Thompson] couldn't go today. Rennie [Moore] didn't go today. Breeland was out. Quandon [Christian] was out. Some of those veteran guys weren’t in there. What was disappointing is that some of our depth didn't step up. That is probably one of our biggest challenges right now – finding quality depth.” Swinney said he was particularly impressed with how Boyd has handled himself this fall. “He’s doing a great job of taking care of the ball and managing the game,” he said. Defensive tackle
Rennie MooreRennie Moore Defensive Tackle #94 6-4, 270 Saint Marys, GA View Full Profile
was held out of practice because of his involvement in an altercation at Tuesday’s practice, but Swinney said he expects the redshirt senior back for Wednesday evening’s practice. “There are consequences for your actions,” Swinney said. “It was just a little discipline for him today. He’ll be back tonight. He’s handled it well. It’s just a matter of learning from it, and he will.” Morris shared a laugh with reporters when he was asked if he had a good idea of which true freshmen will play this fall. “Sure, I have an idea, but I am not going to share that with you, if that’s ok,” Morris joked. But there will be a few that'll get in this year, the ones we've been mentioning, the ones who have made plays. You can't keep playmakers on the sidelines." Morris also continues to rave about freshman wide receiver
Sammy WatkinsSammy Watkins Wide Receiver #7 6-2, 200 Fort Myers, FL View Full Profile
, saying the Florida native is the best wide receiver he has at creating separation from defenders. “Well, you have to look at Sammy,” Morris said. “He creates great separation. He's very explosive. He'd be one of the top ones I'd mention.
Bryce McNealBryce McNeal Wide Receiver #11 6-1, 180 Minneapolis, MN View Full Profile
is another one." Morris said he was pleased with the way the scrimmage went. "We made vast improvements from Saturday,” he said. “We made major strides. We're not where we need to be yet, but we're taking big steps right now."
Chandler CatanzaroChandler Catanzaro Punter / Kicker #39 6-2, 205 Greenville, SC View Full Profile
appears to be the leader at placekicker. Swinney said he had another good scrimmage on Wednesday. “Catman continues to be money,” Swinney said. Clemson running back
Andre EllingtonAndre Ellington Running Back #23 5-10, 190 Moncks Corner, SC View Full Profile
said he has been in contact with his cousin – Bruce Ellington – who is the point guard on South Carolina’s basketball team and is working at running back on the Gamecock football team. “I am proud of him,” Ellington said. “I told him if he wanted to go out and play football, I would support him.” Clemson center Dalton Freeman said it was nice to have a bounce back practice after the bad outing they had on Tuesday. “We came out and had a really good practice. It was probably our best practice of the year,” the All-ACC candidate said. “Everybody was very focused. It was probably the most focused I have seen out of us – throwing and catching and we did a great job up front.” Tight end Brandon Ford, who for the second straight scrimmage caught a touchdown pass. “Everybody picked it up today and it seemed everyone was more focused,” Ford said. “We came together as an offense in the locker room and said ‘We have to pick it up today.’ “We knew we had to bring it. We had to do better than what we did last night and even on Saturday.” Bashaud Breeland missed the practice with a neck strain, while Brandon Thompson was out after a hard hit to the head on Tuesday. Quandon Christian has a sprained ankle and Mike Bellamy a shoulder injury. None of the injuries are considered serious. The Tigers will practice tonight and then again at 4:30 p.m. on Thursday.
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