Young defensive linemen impressive as camp hits day two |
CLEMSON – Clemson’s defensive line is going to be just fine.
The Tigers lost every starter from last year’s front four, and there are concerns heading into the season that depth might be an issue. At this point, it looks like experience is the only issue as the defensive linemen were front and center during Wednesday afternoon’s practice. We’ve talked about
Christian WilkinsChristian Wilkins But it’s the younger players that we keep noticing, and there are a lot to be noticed.
Richard YearginRichard Yeargin
Clelin FerrellClelin Ferrell Other notes *Linebacker
Korie RogersKorie Rogers *Offensive lineman
Jay GuillermoJay Guillermo *Opposing fan bases like to think of
Dabo SwinneyDabo Swinney *Defensive tackle Scott Pagano looks more agile and looks like he moves around better than he has at any time during his first few years here. Pagano’s size makes you take notice, but it is his agility that really catches your eye. *Offensive line coach
Robbie CaldwellRobbie Caldwell *After spending much of Tuesday’s practice on the second team, right guard
Tyrone CrowderTyrone Crowder *Receiver
Mike WilliamsMike Williams *Another great catch was by freshman
Deon CainDeon Cain *Swinney doesn’t mind becoming a wide receivers coach. He took time with senior
Charone PeakeCharone Peake *Despite the fact that there weren’t pads on, freshman left tackle
Mitch HyattMitch Hyatt *During the last couple of years, Swinney has always said that he wished it would be hotter during fall camp. Well, this year he got his wish as we've had two of the hottest days of the summer. It's been so hot that senior offensive lineman Eric Mac Lain told me he lost 14 pounds yesterday.
Fr. Defensive Tackle
#42 6-5, 305
Longmeadow, CT
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at defensive tackle – he’s just in a different class – but
D.J. ReaderD.J. Reader
Defensive Tackle (2012 - 2015)
#48 6-2, 325
Greensboro, NC
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and
Carlos WatkinsCarlos Watkins
RS Jr. Defensive Tackle
#94 6-3, 295
Mooresboro, NC
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are impressive at the tackle spots, and
Kevin DoddKevin Dodd
RS Jr. Defensive End
#98 6-5, 275
Taylors, SC
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looks the part of the experienced defensive end.
Shaq LawsonShaq Lawson
Jr. Defensive End
#90 6-3, 269
Central, SC
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? He’s on another level right now.
RS Fr. Defensive End
#49 6-4, 225
Lauderdale Lakes, FL
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went through the bag drills like a man on a mission and whipped more than one offensive lineman in 1-on-1’s. He’s fast and big.
Fr. Defensive End
#99 6-5, 220
Richmond, VA
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,
Gage CervenkaGage Cervenka
Fr. Defensive Tackle
#95 6-3, 275
Greenwood, SC
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,
Jabril RobinsonJabril Robinson
RS Fr. Defensive Tackle
#50 6-3, 255
Leland, NC
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and
Scott PaganoScott Pagano
RS So. Defensive Tackle
#56 6-3, 295
Honolulu, HI
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also had their bright moments today, as did
Austin BryantAustin Bryant
Fr. Defensive End
#91 6-4, 250
Pavo, GA
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and
Chris RegisterChris Register
RS Fr. Outside Linebacker
#45 6-2, 245
Browns Summit, NC
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. This group looks like they are in great shape, and despite their youth this is one of the best-looking groups of defensive linemen I’ve seen.
RS Fr. Outside Linebacker
#43 6-2, 235
Buford, GA
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was in a yellow jersey and spent the practice jogging around the practice fields. Quarterback
Tucker IsraelTucker Israel
Fr. Quarterback
#10 5-11, 190
Orlando, FL
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was in walking boot but stood with the quarterbacks during drills.
RS Jr. Center
#57 6-3, 310
Maryville, TN
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didn’t take many snaps at the center spot. He spent the practice working with the guards while
Justin FalcinelliJustin Falcinelli
RS Fr. Offensive Tackle
#50 6-3, 305
Middleton, MD
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worked at second-team center. Starter
Ryan NortonRyan Norton
RS Sr. Offensive Line
#58 6-3, 285
Simpsonville, SC
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said that Falcinelli has been the offensive lineman that has surprised him the most. “Mark my words. He’s going to be really, really good,” Norton said.
Head Coach
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as a nice guy or a cheerleader. They should come to a Clemson practice, where the head coach side is on full display. More than one player felt Swinney’s ire and wrath Wednesday, especially when the second-team offense didn’t move onto the field as quick Swinney would have liked. “We are not going to hold up a sign that says it’s your turn,” Swinney screamed at one point. “Get out there!”
Assistant Coach / Offensive Line
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also has a reputation as laid-back, everybody’s Grandpa kind of guy. He’s another one that’s fun to watch coach. He is as intense as anybody out there, and it looks like this group of young players has him rejuvenated.
RS So. Offensive Guard
#55 6-2, 330
Marston, NC
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was back with the first team Wednesday.
Jr. Wide Receiver
#7 6-4, 210
Vance, SC
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had one of the better catches of the day, going up and over
Denzel JohnsonDenzel Johnson
RS Fr. Cornerback
#14 6-2, 190
Columbia, SC
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for an acrobatic catch.
Fr. Wide Receiver
#8 6-1, 190
Tampa, FL
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, who reached back for a throw that was late and behind him. He snagged the ball one-handed before landing on his back. Every time I see him, I think A.J. Green.
Gr. Wide Receiver
#19 6-2, 205
Moore, SC
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during part of Wednesday’s practice and then makes sure to talk to each receiver at some point.
Fr. Offensive Line
#75 6-6, 270
Sugar Hill, GA
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and defensive lineman Clelin Ferrell had a nice dust-up midway through practice. Hyatt had gotten beat a few plays earlier (badly) by Shaq Lawson (who is beating everybody) and it was obvious he needed to respond. The two players had the other by the throat and went to the ground. It was quickly broken up by the coaches.
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