CLEMSON FOOTBALL

Clemson players welcome D.J. Reader back into the fold
Reader should practice with the team Monday afternoon

Clemson players welcome D.J. Reader back into the fold


by - Senior Writer -

CLEMSON – Senior defensive tackle D.J. Reader D.J. Reader
Defensive Tackle (2012 - 2015)
#48 6-2, 321
Greensboro, NC

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was back in the WestZone Monday morning, and Clemson’s players were happy to have their teammate back in the fold.

Reader hasn’t played this season after taking a leave of absence in August with what Clemson head coach Dabo SwinneyDabo Swinney
Head Coach
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said were "personal issues." The school announced Reader's return Saturday prior to the team’s home game against Boston College.

Center Jay GuillermoJay Guillermo
RS Jr. Center
#57 6-3, 324
Maryville, TN

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– who also stepped away from the team but did it over the spring – said he saw Reader Monday morning but didn’t try to offer any advice.

“I haven’t really talked to him too much about it. I know when I was out I really didn’t want to talk to anybody because I wanted to figure it out on my own,” Guillermo said. “I saw him this morning and I gave him a big old hug. It was good to see him, and he looks great.”

The 6-3, 325-pound senior was in line to start for the Tigers after compiling 110 tackles during his first three season. In his absence, Carlos WatkinsCarlos Watkins
RS Jr. Defensive Tackle
#94 6-3, 296
Mooresboro, NC

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, Scott PaganoScott Pagano
RS So. Defensive Tackle
#56 6-3, 290
Honolulu, HI

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and Christian WilkinsChristian Wilkins
Fr. Defensive Tackle
#42 6-5, 299
Longmeadow, MA

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have combined for 96 tackles but have also played a lot of snaps.

Linebacker Ben BoulwareBen Boulware
Jr. Outside Linebacker
#10 6-0, 241
Anderson, SC

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said Reader will bring experience as the Tigers begin their stretch run, including playing four of their last six games away from Death Valley.

“He just brings in more leadership and experience. He's been there and done that,” Boulware said. “He's been here for years and knows what he's doing. He took a little time off for just personal stuff, but he's been working out and he's stayed in shape. I saw him this morning when we were working out. I think he will be fine. He just brings in extra knowledge, experience and leadership. I think our young guys have done a good job being prepared every week, but he brings more depth to our defensive line.”

Swinney said he hopes Reader can finish strong.

“We found out Thursday, I believe, that he’s ready to rejoin us and I am excited about that. We will get back to work on Monday,” Swinney said. “I have no idea what to expect. I have no idea where he is football wise. He hasn’t even practiced, much less played. But the team is excited to have him back and we’ll get him out there and see where he is. He has done some training – not here – but I know he has been working out and doing some things. He’s excited to get back out there. Hopefully he can have a strong, positive finish to his senior season.”

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Subject (Replies: 50) Author
spacer New Story: Clemson players welcome D.J. Reader back into the fold
TigerNet News®
spacer Re: New Story: Clemson players welcome D.J. Reader back into the fold
boykinlp
spacer Re: New Story: Clemson players welcome D.J. Reader back into the fold
OliverHornsby
spacer Re: New Story: Clemson players welcome D.J. Reader back into the fold
Salty55®
spacer Re: New Story: Clemson players welcome D.J. Reader back into the fold
OliverHornsby
spacer I wouldn't know but I certainly agree with him.***
SOLOS®
spacer Re: I wouldn't know but I certainly agree with him.***
OliverHornsby
spacer Re: I wouldn't know but I certainly agree with him.***
tigrtom
spacer you mean you guys aren't getting Bill Belichick? weird.
tiger_swimmer®
spacer Re: Shaking in my boots. Kirby Smart, my butt. he is just
peanut
spacer You make a good point, but I think DJ will get in next week
ChemETiger97
spacer Re: New Story: Clemson players welcome D.J. Reader back into the fold
jstone D329
spacer Me too.***
TigerHawk76®
spacer Me three...***
SOLOS®
spacer Cool story from the coot!
thebravetiger®
spacer Re: Cool story from the coot!
garrick3270
spacer Re: New Story: Clemson players welcome D.J. Reader back into the fold
Dugatiger®
spacer When was it changed to that?
WillardTFrog®
spacer Re: New Story: Clemson players welcome D.J. Reader back into the fold
Memphis Tiger®
spacer Re: as old Mel Tillis would say. SC ain't no California
peanut
spacer It's different recruiting FOR Saban/Bama than
TaylorTiger
spacer Coot logic
CUgrad2011
spacer Re: New Story: Clemson players welcome D.J. Reader back into the fold
ALLIN4CU®
spacer Good Coordinators don't always make good head coaches....
BigCUFan®
spacer Re: New Story: Clemson players welcome D.J. Reader back into the fold
Felix2
spacer You know who had rings?
tiger_thom®
spacer Re: New Story: Clemson players welcome D.J. Reader back into the fold
garrick3270
spacer not as good as kiffen or brad scott or mushmouth...but close
Neal in NC®
spacer Re: New Story: Clemson players welcome D.J. Reader back into the fold
garrick3270
spacer Re: Why worry about Kirby Smart?
Lexguy2003
spacer Re: Why worry about Kirby Smart?
robbensdale
spacer Re: Why worry about Kirby Smart?
kelley21®
spacer Haha, oh no! We are skeered, please lawd help us
Tiger4lif3®
spacer Dear Oliverhornsby
bleedsorange81®
spacer Whatever coot.***
Clemson13
spacer Re: New Story: Clemson players welcome D.J. Reader back into the fold
92TigerJohn
spacer If Kirby Smart went for the Capon coaching job ....
RevDodd
spacer Re: New Story: Clemson players welcome D.J. Reader back into the fold
kelley21®
spacer Disagree completely.
PACIFIC BEACH TIGER®
spacer Re: New Story: Clemson players welcome D.J. Reader back into the fold
allorangeallthetime52®
spacer Re: New Story: Clemson players welcome D.J. Reader back into the fold
mcdowecu
spacer Re:CU players welcome D.J.Reader back into the fold-origami?
74TIGER
spacer This is best case scenario for our D
TigerSHARKey
spacer Re: New Story: Clemson players welcome D.J. Reader back into the fold
VA2Clemson
spacer Welcome back DJ Reader, you can help us! Go Tigers!***
tigerpaw68®
spacer Re: New Story: Clemson players welcome D.J. Reader back into the fold
jerseytiger1980
spacer Welcome back DJ !
tigersincepell®
spacer Go DJ! I hope he finishes strong and makes the NFL.***
Razzmatazz
spacer Re: Go DJ! I hope he finishes strong and makes the NFL.***
Dugatiger®
spacer Re: New Story: Clemson players welcome D.J. Reader back into the fold
kelley21®
spacer Re: New Story: Clemson players welcome D.J. Reader - AWESOME
CUalum79ALLn65