Tigers Put On Full Pads For First Time In 2005 |
The Clemson Tigers dodged lightning bolts and rain showers during a two and-a-half hour practice Tuesday afternoon. It was the first day of practice in full pads for Tommy Bowden’s team, but lightning in the area forced the head coach to cut down on some of his practice schedule.
"It is just difficult to come back out after taking 40 minutes off in the locker room in the middle of practice," said Bowden. "We weren't as sharp today and the break due to the weather had a lot to do with that. It put us a little off schedule and we didn't hit as much as we would have liked. We have certainly had a lot of rain the last four days. We have a lot of experience working in bad weather so we will be prepared for that in the fall." The Tigers did not do any conditioning following Tuesday’s practice because Wednesday is the final day of the second summer school session and the players have exams. Bowden wanted to get his players off the field so they could take care of their academic responsibilities, and the team will reconvene for a night practice on Wednesday. Bowden’s team has three more days of preparation before Saturday’s full-contact scrimmage in Death Valley, and he has been impressed by many players thus far, both young players and the veterans. "Dorell Scott is a player who has looked good. He missed a lot of time in the spring due to injury, but he has shown up so far. Duane Coleman has practiced well and has caught the ball consistently out of the backfield, which he has done in the past. As far as a big play receiver, Chansi Stuckey certainly has a chance to fill that role, but Aaron Kelly also could be our go-to guy. Curtis Baham is another candidate." The first position change of the season was announced after practice. Freshman Demerick Chancellor from Miami, FL has moved from running back to one of the safety positions. The night practice on Wednesday will be on of the latest start times to a practice at Clemson in recent memory, due to exams. The Tigers will begin the workout at 7:30, as most of the second practice in full pads will be under the lights. The late practice start will refresh the veteran players’ memories of late kickoff times, just like they will experience in the season opener September 3 at 8:00PM on ABC.
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