Bowden Challenges Defensive Line |
CLEMSON - As Clemson's defense continues to operate under a microscope during
preseason, one fact is becoming abundantly clear: The better the push up front, the better the Tigers will perform. This isn't a new strategy, by any means. For all the speed and ability at the skill positions in today's brand of football, the game is still won and lost in the trenches. At Clemson, that old scenario has never been more true. Coaching staff and fans alike cringe at the memories of Georgia Tech's George Godsey and Florida State's Chris Weinke standing in the pocket last season, seemingly able to order lunch while choosing which receiver to hit. The lack of a pass rush from the interior line meant Clemson was forced to bring heat with the linebackers, which left the secondary in single coverage more often than head coach Tommy Bowden or defensive coordinator Reggie Herring wanted. And even the best defensive back can't maintain coverage on a top-notch receiver for five or six seconds. Add it all up and it was a recipe for disaster in 2000. If 2001 is to be any different, the pressure lies squarely on the shoulders of Clemson's defensive front four. "They've performed good (in camp), but it gets to this stage about every year where you're waiting to make the final evaluation off live bullets," Bowden said after Thursday's practice. "They've had some very productive days against our offense...now it's just about game day. "I think we'll find out in the first game because I think (Central Florida's) going to throw it 50 times a game. That will be a good indicator." The front four has been retooled after losing players to both graduation and the legal system. Nick Eason (6-foot-4, 285 pounds), a speed-rushing defensive end a year ago, has been moved inside to tackle, where he's joined by senior Jovon Bush (6-5, 300). The starting defensive ends, were the season to begin today, would be junior Bryant McNeal (6-5, 230) and sophomore Khaleed Vaughn (6-4, 260). The svelteness, comparatively speaking, of that group contributes to Herring's assessment that this may be the fastest defensive team in recent memory. However size, strength and technique also come into play, and in order to improve on last season's performance, all four players must improve in each of those areas. "Bush has got to step up and be a productive player," Bowden said. "He's a fifth-year senior so he's been here for a while. He's a big play potential guy, but right now his statistics don't match his size. That's what he's got to show this year. "Khaleed Vaughn's only a redshirt sophomore but he has big play potential because of his speed...he's a great practice player. Nick Eason's going to a new position, but he's got the talent to make plays...Bryant McNeal's the same way. Last year he was kind of a non-factor, and he needs to be a factor going into his fourth year." NOTES - Senior running back Travis Zachery missed his first practice of the season Thursday, sitting out due to a slight ankle sprain he suffered Wednesday. He is expected to return in a day or two. - Senior Chad Carson was named a preseason candidate for the Butkus Award, the honor bestowed each season on the nation's best linebacker. - The team will run through game-day preparation today in Death Valley, in what players have termed the "Beanie Bowl." The session will be a dry run of game day, from pregame warmups to testing the communication system.
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