Elliott, Black on Target for First Career Starts |
CLEMSON - Neither wide receiver Derrick Hamilton nor guard Cedric Johnson are
expected to start Saturday against visiting Louisiana Tech, despite each being upgraded from doubtful to questionable Thursday by the Clemson coaching staff. Instead, Tony Elliott and Nick Black are on target to gain their first career starts, according to offensive coordinator Brad Scott and offensive line coach Ron West. Hamilton, still struggling with a strained tendon in his lower leg, went through some drills Thursday but "still isn't close to being 100 percent," Scott said. Johnson completed Thursday's entire workout - the Tigers practiced in shorts - but will defer to Black on Saturday. "I think we'll get something out of (Johnson). He looks a lot better than he did on Monday and Tuesday," West said. "I would say he'll have a very good shot to play, (but) right now I'm going to start Nick Black. He did all the hard work Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, and Cedric didn't get a whole lot of work." Black (6-foot-5) had been suffering from mysterious weight loss as recently as two weeks ago, dropping as much as 21 pounds off his 292-pound frame. The weight loss continued for a short time even after tests showed no apparent physical problems. But whatever the cause, it seems to have gone away now. West said Black has put "six or seven" pounds back on and seems to be feeling much better. "He's gotten that under control," West said. "He's feeling better and breathing better." Elliott, meanwhile, has proven himself a capable performer in practice and now gets a shot to prove himself in game conditions. Originally a walk-on transfer from Air Force, the 6-0, 210 senior had one catch for 20 yards in a backup role in last Saturday's 31-28 loss at Georgia. It was just his second career reception since coming to Clemson. Still, Scott seems to have no reservations about plugging Elliott into Hamilton's place in the starting lineup. "He's a very dependable player," Scott said. "He runs good routes and catches the ball. He's done that here for two years. I have total confidence he can go out there and play that position. You give up just a little bit of speed, but you certainly get a very dependable guy." NOTES - Bernard Rambert (strained foot tendon) will not play Saturday. Yusef Kelly will start in his spot, while Tye Hill and Chad Jasmin will provide backup. - Results of an MRI confirmed that cornerback Toure Francis did indeed suffer a torn ACL which will keep him out for the season. The exam also revealed a torn MCL and cartilage damage. Bowden also announced that Francis received the scholarship made available when Tymere Zimmerman failed to gain admission to the school. Francis will keep the scholarship despite his injury. "He had earned a starting position," Bowden said. "I'm not going to punish him for getting hurt." - For the moment, at least, Wynn Kopp has maintained a grip on the punter's job and will start Saturday. Aaron Hunt will continue kicking off. Dan Scott covers Clemson University for the Florence Morning News. He also hosts SportsTalk from 10 a.m.-Noon, Monday-Friday, on WCCP-Fm, 104.9. Click here for Dan Scott's SportsTalk discussion board.
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