Kelly and Cooper have torn ACL injuries

by CU Athletic Communications - Mon Apr 15 15:44:53 GMT-04:00 2013

Clemson, SC—Starting tight end Sam Cooper Sam Cooper
RS Jr. Tight End
#86 6-5, 250
Brentwood, TN
View Full Profile and reserve quarterback Chad Kelly Chad Kelly
So. Quarterback
#11 6-2, 210
Buffalo, NY
View Full Profile both suffered torn ACL injuries during Clemson’s Spring Football Game this past Saturday. The injuries happened in the first quarter just nine plays apart in the contest at Memorial Stadium. Head Coach Dabo Swinney Dabo Swinney
Head Coach
View Full Profile made the announcement on Monday afternoon.

Cooper was injured after making a five-yard yard reception from Kelly near the home sideline on the 11th play of the scrimmage. Kelly suffered his injury just nine plays later, the 20th play of the scrimmage, when he made a 17-yard run. Kelly finished the day 6-7 for 43 yards passing and a touchdown and had 4-23 rushing.

Offensive lineman Kalon DavisKalon Davis
RS Jr. Offensive Guard
#67 6-5, 330
Chester, SC
View Full Profile also suffered a knee injury in the first period, but his injury is not serious.

Cooper played in all 13 games last year, three as a starter, and had 10 receptions 93 yards and two touchdowns. He was listed as Clemson’s first-team tight end for 2013. Kelly red-shirted last season.

The status for both players in 2013 is unknown at this time. “This is very difficult for both players. Both had really worked hard and done well this spring. “

“As far as Sam Cooper is concerned, this was certainly going to be his time at tight end. We have had quite a run of production at tight end the last few years with Michael PalmerMichael Palmer
Tight End
# 6-4, 228
Lilburn, GA
View Full Profile , Dwayne AllenDwayne Allen
Tight End
#83 6-3, 255
Fayetteville, NC
View Full Profile and Brandon FordBrandon Ford
Tight End
#80 6-4, 240
Wando, SC
View Full Profile .”

Clemson tight ends have caught 218 passes for 2474 yards and 32 touchdowns over the last four years. Clemson has had the first-team All-ACC tight end three of the last four years. Dwayne Allen won the John Mackey Award in 2011 as the Nation’s top tight end.

“Sam is the most experienced tight end we have and this is a tough loss. He was coming into his own. We have some young, talented tight ends who are now going to have to step up.

“I feel badly for Chad because he was doing very well picking up the offense. He was off to a great start in the Spring Game. This will make us thin at quarterback with just two on scholarship in 2013.”

Pos Seniors Juniors Sophomores Freshmen

TE(4) Sam Cooper* Stanton Seckinger* Jay Jay McCullough*

Jordan Leggett

QB(3) Tajh Boyd* Cole Stoudt Chad Kelly*

Nick Schuessler*#

* - Red-shirt

# - Walkon