Bowden Unhappy with Special Teams

by Dan Scott - Correspondent - Mon Sep 12 22:39:37 GMT-04:00 2005

CLEMSON - Unhappy with his kick return and kick coverage units, Clemson head coach Tommy Bowden was contemplating changes on Monday.

Both units have been an area of concern for the Tigers, despite wins in their first two games.

The kick return unit has come under the microscope because of it's early lack of production, especially compared to a year ago when former Tiger and current New York Jet Justin Miller was among the best in the nation. But while it might be easy to place blame on the current return men - Duane Coleman and C.J. Gaddis, Bowden said doing so would be incorrect.

"I don't think it's the returners. I think it's more blocking right now," he said following Monday's workout. "I've looked at it really, really hard. Our returners are good enough. Now Justin led the nation, and we've had nobody jump out like him.

But our returns and coverage are average, and it's not because of scheme. It's personnel. We're not getting the blocks. Kick coverage is the same. I'm disappointed in both of those right now."

Bowden said he and his assistant coaches were looking at possible personnel changes on both units, but declined to elaborate.

On the injury front, Roy Walker (strained knee), Donnell Clark (ankle) and Akeem Robinson (infection) were the only players listed by Sports Information Director Tim Bourret. Further information on the injuries will be available later in the week.

Clemson Specialists

Pos. # Player Hgt Wgt Cl.

PK 7 JAD DEAN 5-11 205 Jr.

48 Stephen Furr 6-1 185 *Sr.

P 30 COLE CHASON 6-0 165 *Jr.

48 Stephen Furr 6-1 185 *Sr.

KO 7 Jad Dean 5-11 205 Jr.

LS (PK) 59 Nic Riddle 6-2 220 *Jr.

LS (P) 54 Colin Leonard 6-3 210 Jr.

HO 30 Cole Chason 6-0 165 *Jr.

PR 2 Chansi Stuckey 6-0 185 *Jr.

12 C.J. Gaddis 6-0 205 *So.

KOR 3 Duane Coleman 5-10 195 *Jr.

12 C.J. Gaddis 6-0 205 *So.

Dan Scott covers Clemson University for the Seneca Daily Journal/Clemson Messenger and TigerNet. 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.