- The first note would have to be the desire to play early of the freshmen. This class is very hungry and has no desire to redshirt. Sadat Chambers and Haydrian Lewis have been the surprises. Neither were projected to play this season, and both have drawn early praise from Bowden. If today was 9/3, Lewis, McElrathbey, James Davis, Rendrick Taylor, Tyler Grisham, Durrell Barry, and Antonio Clay would avoid redshirts. Judgement is being withheld on defensive linemen and offensive linemen.
- Barry Richardson has made all of his conditioning runs and reported 30 pounds lighter. The 6-7 sophomore is now close to 330 pounds. This is a very good sign that Richardson has bounced back from his slump in the spring.
- Charlie Whitehurst and Will Proctor appear to be making a near flawless transition under Spence. Bowden has really been impressed by the quarterbacks in the first three practices. Bowden stated he wished Proctor had seen more action last season, but the situation just did not pan out. Proctor appears to be the steady backup that was missing last season.
- Kelvin Grant has drawn praise following all three practices, but so has Aaron Kelly, who is still listed ahead of Grant. This will be an intense battle all season. The other battle to watch is Chris Clemons and Sergio Gilliam. Clemons is right on Gilliam's heels, and he may be close to moving ahead. Antonio Clay may working his way into a battle with Lionel Richardson at middle linebacker.
- Duane Coleman is moving out of the doghouse and is right back in the mix. Coleman wants to focus on winning his starting job back, but he may be looking over his shoulder soon at freshman James Davis. Bowden has been impressed early by Davis, and this will battle will only get closer.
- Special teams is a growing concern. Coach Bowden wants more consistency from Jad Dean and Cole Chason. Dean had trouble, while Tyler Grisham was holding. Grisham would add more of a threat for fake field goals, a play Bowden has never shyed away from at Clemson. Chason needs to stay focused and realize a sense of urgency. There is no viable option to push Chason at this time, but Stephen Furr and Mark Buccholz are now working at punter to try and find an answer at backup.
