CLEMSON FOOTBALL

Williams' catches, Dye's running highlight Clemson practice


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Clemson, S.C.—Clemson returned to the practice fields Monday afternoon, the squad’s first workout in 12 days. The team scattered to sites around the country along with the rest of the Clemson student body for Spring Break a week ago last Friday. But, the team reported back for an evening meeting Sunday and was ready to go on Monday for the seventh team practice of the 15 Spring sessions.

“It was a good practice and everyone was back and in a good frame of mind,” said Swinney, who will enter his seventh full season as head coach of the Tigers in September. “It was a good practice. We worked in shells, but we got a lot done. Wednesday will be an important day.”

Among the highlights were two long pass receptions in a competitive passing drill by wide receiver Mike WilliamsMike Williams
Jr. Wide Receiver
#7 6-4, 210
Vance, SC

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.

Clemson has been working on fundamentals for most of the first seven practices, but the team will have its first full scrimmage on Wednesday in the stadium. (The scrimmage is closed to the public). “Scrimmages are important because we need to evaluate what players will do in certain situations. How will player X perform against player Y in a scrimmage situation? How will a young freshman react when competing against a veteran player?

“At the end of spring practice we will have exit meetings with each player and review with them what they need to work on to be better prepared to help the team in the fall. We have two full scrimmages plus the spring game. The scrimmages are important.”

One of the players Swinney commented on after practice was redshirt sophomore running back Tyshon DyeTyshon Dye
RS So. Running Back
#22 5-11, 215
Elberton, GA

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, who played near the end of last season after recovering from a torn Achilles tendon. He played in just four games, but had 151 yards rushing in 32 carries and scored two touchdowns.

“Tyshon looks very different from the fall. I said last fall that he needed a spring and a summer to get back into football shape. He has worked hard in our offseason program in the weight room and has gotten much more healthy. You can see it in some of his cuts. There are some moves he couldn’t do last fall, but he can now do. He is one of the players we are anxious to see in the scrimmages.”

Swinney also talked about the offensive line after Monday’s practice. “The first group has had a good spring so far. Isaiah BattleIsaiah Battle
Offensive Tackle (2012 - 2015)
#79 6-7, 290
Brooklyn, NY

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, Ryan NortonRyan Norton
RS Sr. Offensive Line
#58 6-3, 285
Simpsonville, SC

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, Joe GoreJoe Gore
RS Sr. Offensive Tackle
#73 6-5, 290
Lake Waccamaw, NC

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, Eric Mac LainEric Mac Lain
RS Sr. Offensive Tackle
#78 6-4, 305
Hope Mills, NC

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and Tyrone CrowderTyrone Crowder
RS So. Offensive Guard
#55 6-2, 330
Marston, NC

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are all playing with more confidence. I am very encouraged by what I have seen from that group.

“The second group is talented, but obviously lacks experience. But they have been working hard and are going to get batter as we go along. They are hungry and that is great to see.”

Notes: Tyshon Dye has changed uniform numbers from No. 23 to No .22. He wore No 22 in high school….freshman offensive lineman Mitch HyattMitch Hyatt
Fr. Offensive Line
#75 6-6, 270
Sugar Hill, GA

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was injured in a practice before spring break, but was back full go today…among the former Tigers at practice on Monday were Jacoby FordJacoby Ford
Wide Receiver (2006 - 2009)
#6 5-9, 175
Royal Palm Beach, FL

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, C.J. SpillerC.J. Spiller
Pro Running Back
#28 5-11, 195
Lake Butler, FL

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and Woody Dantzler. Those three former Tigers accounted for 20,469 yards in total offense and all-purpose running over their respective careers, a figure that converts to 11.63 miles…current Indianapolis Colts quarterbacks coach Clyde Christiansen was among the visitors to practice…Christiansen was an assistant coach at Clemson under Tommy West in 1994 and 1995…

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