Thursday practice report

Swinney said he has been pleased with the entire group of Clemson receivers so far.

by TigerNet Staff - Thu Sep 23 20:45:57 GMT-04:00 2010

CLEMSON – The Clemson Tigers finished their last practice before the bye week break by doing inside drills, and Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney said following the practice that it was good to see the players begin to get some of their “legs” back.

“For an open date, especially coming off of an emotional loss, the team has really practiced well,” Swinney said. “You always worry about the last day before they’re going to get a couple of days off. You wonder where their minds are going to be, but they had good focus today. It was really, really good from start to finish. We had a very competitive team pass period and had a really good inside drill today. It was just like another Tuesday practice. Having some guys come back, starting to get some spring back in their legs. That’s good to see."

Swinney said that quarterback Kyle Parker continues to improve physically.

“Kyle was a little better today. He’s starting to come around. He actually threw the ball around some and did some individual [drills]. He is starting to get a little spring back. He is not ready to do cartwheels, though. He’s on the mend and I expect he’ll be ready to roll on Monday.”

He was asked about the play of the wide receivers, and he said he was pleased with the entire group.

“They have all made plays. Every one of the seven guys that we are playing. Every one of them have made plays. I’m not displeased with any of them. We had a drop the other night and that was disappointing. I think we’re starting to get a good feel of who our most dynamic guys are. We are still developing them. At some point we’re going to have to throw the ball to win. I’m confident with where we are right now.”

And the depth chart at the position?

“I would say Jaron [Brown] is up there. [Xavier] Dye had a really good game. He made some plays. Marquan [Jones] has been really consistent. I’m really pleased with Bryce McNeal. He’s got it. We’ve got to continue to get him some more opportunities. The same thing with [DeAndre] Hopkins. I love those three guys, as far as what they bring - Nuke, Bryce and Jaron. They are very dynamic guys. [Brandon] Clear and Dye have done a nice job with their opportunities. I just think we’ve got a good, healthy situation. All those guys are going to continue to be contributors and at some point, I think they’ll separate.”

Swinney ended by talking about the importance of the bye week.

“We have only played three games. We do have some good data. We are very honest with it. Here’s what we have done good and what we don’t think we’ve done good and here is what we have got to get better. Let’s get all in and go do it. If they respond the right way, then you have a chance to come out and play well after the open date. I think that’s what we’re going to do. I think guys have the right mentality, the right type of demeanor at practice, the right type of focus. They want to be good. This team wants to be good. They really want to be a good football team. Everybody wants to win. This team is really willing to do what it takes. The open date is really about working on ourselves and getting a head start for our next opponent and getting well. “

Tickets Still Available for Clemson vs. Miami Football Game on October 2

Tickets also remain for home games against Maryland, Georgia Tech and N.C. State.

CLEMSON, SC – Tickets are still available for Clemson’s Homecoming football game vs. Miami on October 2. Tickets may be purchased online at ClemsonTigers.com or by phone at 1-800-CLEMSON.

Tickets are also still available for Clemson’s home games against Maryland (October 16), Georgia Tech (October 22) and N.C. State (November 6). Tickets are $48 each for the Miami, Maryland and N.C. State games, and $50 for the Georgia Tech game.