Bowden Meets with Crosby; Clock Running

Crosby has until 10 days after school begins (Aug. 20) to get enrolled in classes.

by Dan Scott - Correspondent - Thu Aug 14 21:51:32 GMT-04:00 2003

CLEMSON - Clemson head football coach Tommy Bowden said Thursday afternoon that he had talked with both Roscoe Crosby and Crosby's mother, but still wasn't sure exactly when the two-sport star would report to practice.

Crosby was granted a Medical Absence Waiver by the ACC Wednesday, immediately restoring his eligibility to that of a redshirt sophomore.

Bowden, speaking to a large group of reporters following Thursday's practice, said the next move is up to Crosby.

"He said he's interested in coming back," Bowden said. "I think now it become Kansas City Royals, getting enrolled in college, all that stuff. I know a little more than I'm saying, but I don't think it's my place to speak for Roscoe, his mother or his agent right now."

Technically Crosby has until 10 days after school begins (Aug. 20) to get enrolled in classes and report to Clemson's practice. However, waiting that late would seem to damage any chance he would have of being a solid contributor to the offense for at least the first half of the season.

And while Bowden was sidestepping the question of Crosby's imminent return, WCCP (104.9 FM, Clemson's flagship station) talk show host Mickey Plyler reported on his Thursday show that he had spoken to Crosby, and that Crosby had a meeting scheduled for that afternoon with Bowden which he anticipated would last about an hour.

Meanwhile, fellow wide receiver Derrick Hamilton said he expected to see Crosby at practice today.

Whenever he returns, Bowden is tempering his enthusiasm until he has a chance to see Crosby work out.

"I've got to have reservations," Bowden said. "He hasn't played in just about two years. That's going to be the biggest thing. You know, it's a skill position. Throwing and catching, things like that. When you've gone a year and a half, two years without catching a football, that will be the biggest adjustment.

"He can tell you how much he wants to play. I can't. For two years he hasn't been here. If he shows up, he shows up. As soon as I see him and sit down (with him), I think I can answer your questions better and not be so short."

Dan Scott covers Clemson University for the Florence Morning News. He also hosts SportsTalk from 9 a.m.-Noon, Monday-Friday, on WCCP-Fm, 104.9. Click here for Dan Scott's SportsTalk discussion board.