Thursday Clemson football practice report

Swinney thought the team played with a good mindset on Thursday.

by CU Athletic Communications - Thu Aug 07 20:18:21 GMT-04:00 2014

Clemson, S.C.—Clemson held its sixth practice of the preseason in 90 degree heat on Thursday. The Tigers will have their first two-a-day on Friday, once in the morning and once at night.

“Today was a tough, challenging practice,” said Head Coach Dabo Swinney. “We scripted it to be tough and I liked how they pushed through it. We did a lot of goal line work. It was a long practice and I liked what I saw in the conditioning period at the end as well. There was a better all around mindset today. We got the most out of it.”

One player who got the most out of it was offensive tackle Joe GoreJoe Gore
RS Jr. Offensive Tackle
#73 6-5, 283
Lake Waccamaw, NC
View Full Profile . “Joe has really improved. He has caught my eye on tape and in person. We need someone to step up at offensive tackle and he has so far.”

Swinney also liked what he saw from the freshman wide receivers. The Tigers must replace All-American Sammy WatkinsSammy Watkins
Wide Receiver (2011 - 2013)
#2 6-1, 205
Fort Myers, FL
View Full Profile and fourth-round draft choice Martavis BryantMartavis Bryant
Wide Receiver (2011 - 2013)
#1 6-5, 200
Calhoun Falls, SC
View Full Profile . The duo combined for 143 receptions for 2,292 yards and 19 touchdowns last year.

“Our young wide receivers are doing well. Artavis ScottArtavis Scott
Fr. Wide Receiver
#3 5-11, 190
Oldsmar, FL
View Full Profile , Demarre KittDemarre Kitt
Fr. Wide Receiver
#8 6-1, 183
Tyrone, GA
View Full Profile and Kyrin PriesterKyrin Priester
Fr. Wide Receiver
#17 6-1, 186
Lilburn, GA
View Full Profile have all done a good job so far. Trevion ThompsonTrevion Thompson
Fr. Wide Receiver
#1 6-3, 191
Durham, NC
View Full Profile is doing well also, but you can tell the other three benefitted by getting here in January.

“I am also cautiously optimistic in what I have seen from Germone HopperGermone Hopper
RS So. Wide Receiver
#5 6-0, 175
Charlotte, NC
View Full Profile . He has been focused in camp. I have not heard him (talk) much, but he has been loud with his play on the field.”

Four Tigers to Miss Practice on Friday

Swinney said that four players will be excused from practice on Friday as they will graduate from Clemson during ceremonies at Littlejohn Coliseum. The four active players who will graduate are Vic BeasleyVic Beasley
RS Sr. Defensive End
#3 6-2, 236
Adairsville, GA
View Full Profile , Reid WebsterReid Webster
RS Sr. Offensive Tackle
#77 6-3, 300
Woodstock, GA
View Full Profile , Martin JenkinsMartin Jenkins
RS Sr. Cornerback
#14 5-9, 185
Roswell, GA
View Full Profile and Taylor WatsonTaylor Watson
RS Sr. Safety
#30 5-10, 210
Simpsonville, SC
View Full Profile . Two former players, Dwayne AllenDwayne Allen
Tight End (2008 - 2011)
#83 6-3, 255
Fayetteville, NC
View Full Profile (now with the Indianapolis Colts) and Darrell BrevardDarrell Brevard
Offensive Guard (2012 - 2013)
#64 6-1, 270
Rock Hill, SC
View Full Profile , also will graduate on Friday.

“I always give the day off to players on their graduation day,” said Swinney. “It is a special day that should be spent with family and friends. I am proud of these four young men. This is an accomplishment they should all be proud of. “

Four other current Tigers already have their degrees. Those players are Sam CooperSam Cooper
RS Sr. Tight End
#86 6-6, 250
Brentwood, TN
View Full Profile , Corbin JenkinsCorbin Jenkins
RS Sr. Kicker
#32 5-10, 175
Conway, SC
View Full Profile , David OlsonDavid Olson
Gr. Quarterback
#10 6-3, 220
Lexington, SC
View Full Profile and Josh WatsonJosh Watson
RS Sr. Defensive Tackle
#91 6-4, 292
Wilmington, DE
View Full Profile . Thus, Clemson will have eight graduates on the roster this year. The program has had an excellent graduation rate under Swinney. In his first five years 83 of the 90 seniors on the roster have earned an undergraduate degree 92.2 percent.