Wednesday night news and notes

by David Hood - Senior Writer - Wed Nov 07 18:41:35 GMT-04:00 2012

CLEMSON – Running back Andre Ellington Andre Ellington
RS Sr. Running Back
#23 5-10, 195
Moncks Corner, SC
View Full Profile practiced Wednesday, and Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney Dabo Swinney
Head Coach
View Full Profile expects Ellington to play Saturday against Maryland.

Swinney, speaking to the media following Wednesday’s practice, said that Ellington and tight end Brandon FordBrandon Ford
Gr. Tight End
#80 6-4, 240
Wando, SC
View Full Profile looked fairly healthy, but cornerback Bashaud BreelandBashaud Breeland
RS So. Cornerback
#17 6-0, 195
Allendale, SC
View Full Profile is still dealing with a groin injury.

“He [Ellington] practice and looked pretty good today,” Swinney said. “He did all of the team stuff and looked pretty good. Brandon looked good. I expect him to play. Breeland is still a little limited, but should be okay. He has been dealing with that groin issue. But Ellington looked good today.”

Swinney was asked if the Tigers had trouble replicated Maryland linebacker turned quarterback Shawn Petty in practice.

“Not really. We put [Nick] Schuessler out there with No. 31 on,” Swinney said. “They [Maryland] will do what they do, which is zone read, wildcat and option. Their pass package, it is what it is. I expect them to be better this week throwing the ball and that kind of stuff. He missed some throws, but he was facing live bullets at quarterback for the first time since high school. Now that he has played a game and they have had a week, we have to be prepared. They have guys that can make plays, and they can run the football. This quarterback can run the football, and we have to defense him.”

On the Maryland defense

“They are more of a quarters team, they will blitz you and bring zone pressure, field pressure and corner cat. They are more of a zone concept teams. They are 3-4 personnel out on the field, but they will give you the four-down look and get in some odd. They do a good job of disguising who is coming, and they will house blitz you. They do a good job, and it starts up front. Those guys are pretty good, and [Joe] Vellano is pretty active.”

On Vic BeasleyVic Beasley
RS So. Defensive End
#3 6-3, 225
Adairsville, GA
View Full Profile

“Vic is a smart guy. It has been a transition for him. I would say he has bought in more and having fun. He is starting to realize he can impact the game. He leads our team in sacks and hasn’t played the amount of snaps other guys have. I think he needed a year like this to see his potential and I think he has finally bought into that and it will help him in the offseason. He is 225 and he needs to be 245. At 245 he oculd be an electric guy and more of a force to deal with. Right now he is a factor because he is so active. He doesn’t have to be 260 – you get him to 240 he will play like he is 280 because of his raw strength. I am proud of him. He has done a good job.”