Bowden: Miller Only True Freshman Expected to Play in 2002 |
CLEMSON - Unless injuries change his plans - and the way this season has gone
so far that's not a stretch - Clemson head coach Tommy Bowden has determined that cornerback Justin Miller will be the only true freshman to play for the Tigers in 2002. All the rest, including the offensive linemen, will be redshirted. "That's the plan right now," Bowden said Thursday. "The only thing that would change that would be injuries." Injuries have already left their mark on Clemson just three games into the 2002 season. Cornerback Toure Francis and offensive tackle Derrick Brantley are lost for the season with torn knee ligaments, and the starting backfield of Bernard Rambert (tailback) and Chad Jasmin (fullback) will miss their third consecutive games Saturday when Ball State visits Death Valley. Rambert (tendonitis) and Jasmin (groin) both are hopeful of returning for the Florida State game Oct. 3 in Tallahassee, Fla. Meanwhile, offensive line coach Ron West isn't taking any chances. With right tackle Brantley already gone and Vontrell Jamison only capable of limited effectiveness since moving from defensive end last week, West is keeping true freshman Roman Fry on the travel squad. Just in case. "He will get some reps next week, probably at tackle," West said. "We started looking at him there (Wednesday). We want to see pass protection sets, watch him slide...he played tackle in an all-star game and did real well. "You'd like to not have to play a freshman, but he's a guy who could possibly play." Elsewhere on the injury front, wide receiver Tony Elliott (bruised thigh), defensive end Khaleed Vaughn (ankle) and defensive tackle Todd McClinton (ankle) all are listed as probable for Saturday.
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