Beasley, Parker looking to make an impact this season

Beasley said he thinks he has a chance contribute to the team this season.

by David Hood - Senior Writer - Sat Jul 24 11:01:32 GMT-04:00 2010

CLEMSON – Clemson freshmen were on the practice field Thursday night undergoing voluntary 7-on-7 passing drills, and TigerNet caught up with two of the players that may make an impact this fall – tight end Victor Beasley and linebacker Justin Parker.

Beasley said that getting to Clemson is a dream come true, and he’s been relying on two other freshmen to help get him acclimated to the college life.

“Man, this is a great place to be,” Beasley said. “I got here, and I kind of had to adapt to everything. I had to get my boys D.J. Howard and Demont Buice to help me out, but I’m adapting to it pretty well right now. We are going through the 7-on-7 drills, and I am working on my blocking, running routes and trying to know the position better.”

Dwayne Allen is going to start at the tight end spot for the Tigers, but without a lot of experienced depth at the position, Beasley said he thinks he has a chance contribute.

“We know Dwayne is the top guy,” Beasley said. “Me and Sam Cooper and a couple of other guys are going to be fighting for playing time this year. I just have to come out and work hard every day, and show leadership and show the coaches that I want to play.”

Parker, the much-coveted linebacker out of Beaufort, said he has no clue what defensive coordinator Kevin Steele’s plans are for him – all he can do is work hard.

“I just have to come out every day and every practice and work hard,” Parker said. “What Coach Steele does, or whether I come in and play early or not, I can’t control that. I just have to continue to work. Right now I am working on the speed of the game. It’s a whole different speed when it comes to the collegiate level.”

Parker said that in addition to adjusting to the game’s speed, he is working on his technique, and is depending on his defensive teammates for help.

“I have to work on my footwork and things like that,” he said. “Getting to that next level is the hardest part. Actually, it has been great getting to know the defensive plays. Any time I have a question on the phrasing or on a play, I know I can sit down and they will sit down with me and walk me through it. I am comfortable with it – I just have to work on base defenses, blitzes and stuff like that.”