Tigers Work Through 100 Degree Heat

by Press Release - Wed Aug 06 19:12:00 GMT-04:00 2008

Clemson, SC—It was a hectic day for the Clemson football team as the Tigers had to deal with final exams and a two and a half hour practice in 100-degree heat. The reward for the difficult day on Wednesday…the first day of two-a-day practices on Thursday.

Clemson will work for two hours in the morning and two hours in the afternoon on Thursday. The good news is there are no more classes to worry about until August 20. Fan Appreciation Day will be held Sunday afternoon at Clemson Memorial Stadium.

“It was 100 degrees for every minute of practice, but the team gave very good effort,” said Clemson head Coach Tommy Bowden. “We worked in full pads, had a short third and long drill the final two periods, and finished with a conditioning run. It was a tough practice.”

There were some highlights in the third-and-long drill. The first team offense went against the first-team defense and converted three of the five plays. The first play resulted in a 44-yard touchdown pass from Cullen Harper to Aaron Kellly on a slant pass. Harper was 4-5 for 72 yards for the five plays. The defense came back and won six of the last eight plays.

While the first team offense won the third and long drill, Bowden was impressed with his defense on Wednesday. “The defense ran very well throughout the day. We have a chance to have some good speed on defense. I have seen a lot of players getting to the ball.” Bowden pointed out that Chris Chancellor had an outstanding interception during a skeleton drill, while Dorell Scott, Rashaad Jackson and Jamie Cumbie continue to play well on the defensive front.

Four players missed the workout due to injury. Wide receiver Jacoby Ford was upgraded to a green jersey and hopefully will be back to full speed by Saturday’s first scrimmage. Starting tight end Michael Palmer missed the practice due to a pulled hamstring. Offensive tackle David Smith was still out with a dislocated toe, while wide receiver Xavier Dye was in a green jersey as he attempts to get back on the field after suffering a bruised shoulder. Rendrick Taylor was excused from practice by coach Bowden, so he could attend to some personal matters.