Wednesday's Clemson Football practice report

by CU Athletic Communications - Wed Aug 14 16:57:47 GMT-04:00 2013

CLEMSON, S.C. — Dabo Swinney is pleased with the progress of his offensive line, even if they didn’t exactly distinguish themselves during the first of two practices Wednesday.

Swinney said the team has even given its O-line a nickname: “The Union.”

“They kind of move like a herd of cattle together everywhere they go,” Swinney said, “and that’s encouraging, especially when you’ve only got two seniors in the group. You’ve got a lot of guys that are going to be around here for a few more years.

Clemson returns four of its five starting linemen from last season, but questions still loomed over who would replace the leadership of four-year starter Dalton FreemanDalton Freeman
Center
#55 6-5, 265
Pelion, SC
View Full Profile . Swinney pointed to senior right guard Tyler ShatleyTyler Shatley
Gr. Offensive Guard
#62 6-3, 295
Icard, NC
View Full Profile as the player who has emerged, saying the former fullback and defensive lineman has “become a rock for us,” since moving to the offensive line last season.

“Last year he was kind of the new kid on the block,” the Clemson head coach said. “Even though we looked at him like a leader, he had a lot to prove and a lot to figure out, whereas now he is very sure of himself and very confident of his role, kind of like Dalton was last year. So, I’m pleased with that whole group.”

But even with four starters returning on the offensive line, Swinney said it was not a sure thing that all of those players would retain that status for the opening game, as there is a cadre of linemen still battling for spots on the two-deep.

The Tigers spent Wednesday morning inside Memorial Stadium doing situational scrimmage work focused on specific down-and-distances and scenarios such as inside the red zone and two-minute drills.

With his team having practiced 11 of 13 days since fall camp began Aug. 2, Swinney said it was evident his players had “hit the wall a little bit.”

“The big thing that I’m looking for is a little more consistency in certain areas. I thought we were really poor offensively protecting the quarterback today. Cole StoudtCole Stoudt
Jr. Quarterback
#18 6-4, 205
Dublin, OH
View Full Profile , Nick SchuesslerNick Schuessler
RS Fr. Quarterback
#3 6-3, 185
Grayson, GA
View Full Profile and Donny McElveenDonny McElveen
Gr. Quarterback
#14 6-2, 205
Summerville, SC
View Full Profile took most of the reps after the first series or so. We wanted to see these other guys, and I’m really disappointed with our protection as a whole.”

Of course, as is often the case with intrasquad scrimmages, when one side of the ball struggles the other side typically has a good day, and Swinney said his defense did an excellent job of pressuring the quarterbacks.

“ Corey CrawfordCorey Crawford
Jr. Defensive End
#93 6-5, 270
Columbus, GA
View Full Profile , we didn’t block him all day,” Swinney said. “He had one of his best practices since he’s been here.”

Freshman tight end Jordan LeggettJordan Leggett
Fr. Tight End
#16 6-6, 235
Navarre, FL
View Full Profile left practice with a knee injury. Swinney had yet to consult with his training staff when practice ended, but said “it didn’t look good on the field.”

With the Tigers already thin at tight end, Swinney said the coaches would have to consider moving someone over from another position — he mentioned offensive lineman Patrick DeStefanoPatrick DeStefano
RS Fr. Offensive Line
#71 6-5, 275
Spartanburg, SC
View Full Profile — to bolster depth if the injury turns out to be serious.

“ Darrell SmithDarrell Smith
Gr. Fullback
#40 6-1, 250
Gadsden, AL
View Full Profile has been awesome and is probably as important as Tajh (Boyd) right now to our offense,” Swinney said. “We’ve got to keep Darrell healthy and ready to go. He is that important to what we do, in everything, running the football.

“(Stanton) Seckinger is developing and coming on, and Jay Jay McCulloughJay Jay McCullough
RS Fr. Tight End
#89 6-3, 230
Fort Mill, SC
View Full Profile has never played… I like the players we’ve got, but I’m concerned about our depth. Hopefully Jordan is not serious, and we can get him back and then keep bringing ( Sam CooperSam Cooper
RS Jr. Tight End
#86 6-5, 250
Brentwood, TN
View Full Profile ) along. We’re going to need him as soon as possible.”

Both Cooper and red-shirt freshman quarterback Chad KellyChad Kelly
RS Fr. Quarterback
#11 6-2, 210
Buffalo, NY
View Full Profile suffered ACL injuries in the Spring Game and had surgery in early May to repair the damage.

Swinney said both were ahead of schedule in their recoveries, and he hopes to have them back by Oct. 1, if not sooner.

“Maybe September sometime,” he said. “They have just poured themselves into the rehab. They have responded incredibly. They are cutting and planting. It’s amazing to see where they are right now.”

Freshman defensive back Mackenzie Alexander returned to practice Monday night and also practiced Tuesday and Wednesday morning, though Swinney said he still hasn’t been cleared for tackling.

“He’s moving around pretty good, and hopefully he’ll just continue to get a little bit better each day,” Swinney said.