CLEMSON FOOTBALL

Friday bowl practice observations
Germone Hopper and Artavis Scott worked as punt returners.

Friday bowl practice observations


by - Senior Writer -

ORLANDO, FL – The Clemson football team practiced in the shadow of the Citrus Bowl Friday afternoon, the team’s third practice in the bowl city.

The Tigers practiced on Thunder Field, a grassy field that sits next to a parking lot for the stadium and as the players filed onto the practice field linebacker Kellen JonesKellen Jones
RS Jr. Linebacker
#52 6-1, 233
Houston, TX

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said, “OK, we are going old school here. This is high school all over again.”

The accommodations may not have been as nice as the stadium itself, but the Tigers got in a lot of special teams work and Clemson may have found an answer at punt returner next season. During the session we were allowed to watch, receiver Artavis ScottArtavis Scott
Fr. Wide Receiver
#3 5-11, 190
Oldsmar, FL

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was returning punts and he was electric. It’s funny how people knew that Scott – coming out of high school – wasn’t the fastest player on the field, but when the football is in his hands he finds another gear.

Scott and Germone HopperGermone Hopper
RS So. Wide Receiver
#5 6-0, 175
Charlotte, NC

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each spent time – along with current returner Adam HumphriesAdam Humphries
Sr. Wide Receiver
#13 5-11, 193
Spartanburg, SC

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– returning kicks.

Other notes

*Tight end Jordan LeggettJordan Leggett
So. Tight End
#16 6-5, 251
Navarre, FL

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did not participate in the practice session. The coaches are hopeful that Leggett can play in the bowl game, but he walked into the facility along with fellow tight end Stanton SeckingerStanton Seckinger
RS Jr. Tight End
#81 6-4, 241
Isle of Palms, SC

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, who is recovering from ACL surgery.

The duo spent time on a bench with quarterback Deshaun WatsonDeshaun Watson
Fr. Quarterback
#4 6-3, 204
Gainesville, GA

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, and Seckinger called out to one passerby that, “this is a sad, sad group over here.”

*Defensive line coach Marion HobbyMarion Hobby
Co-Defensive Coordinator / Defensive Ends
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won’t let the players forget who the opponent is this week. Hobby shouts “Boomer Sooner” at every opportunity.

At one point, a tourist helicopter began circling the field and the rumor quickly spread – facetiously – that the Sooners were filming the Clemson practice.

*Clemson Athletic Director Dan RadakovichDan Radakovich
Director of Athletics
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was in attendance.

*Bowl practice usually brings out the who’s who of guests and Friday’s bowl practice was no different.

First off, Ray Ray McCloud III attended practice with his father. He spent a good bit of time talking with other recruits and watching co-offensive coordinators Tony ElliottTony Elliott
Assistant Coach / Running Backs
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and Jeff ScottJeff Scott
Asst. Coach (WR) / Recruiting Coord.
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run the offense.

Three other Clemson commits were also in attendance – quarterback Tucker Israel, who has been a frequent visitor to the Citrus Bowl sports complex, was at practice with his parents, offensive lineman Jake Fruhmorgen was there with his dad and tight end Garrett Williams was also in attendance.

2017 offensive line prospect Blake Vinson out of Winter Garden (FL) Trinity Catholic was at practice with a family member who played for Robbie CaldwellRobbie Caldwell
Assistant Coach / Offensive Line
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at Vanderbilt. The 6-5, 275-pound lineman only has one offer from South Florida, but is garnering interest from several programs in the ACC and SEC.

Former Clemson linebacker Eric Sampson (2001-2005) was at practice with his daughter.

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