Tigers hold first practice for Wofford

by CU Athletic Communications - Fri Aug 21 20:10:39 GMT-04:00 2015

Clemson, S.C.—The Clemson Tigers practiced for nearly two hours on the fields beyond the centerfield fence of the Kingsmore Baseball Stadium on Friday afternoon. Dabo Swinney’s team begins its season two weeks from Saturday against Wofford at Memorial Stadium.

For the first time, Swinney had his team divided into a varsity and scout team as the true preparation for a specific opponent began. After practice, Swinney watched over 35 prospective walk-ons try out for a few spots on the 115-man roster.

“It was a typical first day of game preparation,” said Swinney. “A was a little sluggish at times, but we will have another day of it on Saturday and then on to Monday.” The team will practice Saturday morning and have Fan Appreciation Day on Sunday at 2:30 p.m. in Memorial Stadium.

Much of the talk with the media after practice centered around the playing status of the true freshmen in this year’s class. Swinney said cornerback Mark FieldsMark Fields
Fr. Cornerback
#24 5-10, 185
Cornelius, NC
View Full Profile suffered a broken hand and would be in a cast for four weeks. “Right now we are planning to play him. We will have to see how he is in a couple of weeks. “

Swinney was asked about whether or not some of the other first year players would red-shirt. He did not give a list of every freshman that would play, but did answer questions from the media about specific players when asked.

The seventh year Clemson Head Coach said that the plan is to play quarterback Kelly BryantKelly Bryant
Fr. Quarterback
#2 6-4, 205
Calhoun Falls, SC
View Full Profile , defensive lineman Austin BryantAustin Bryant
Fr. Defensive End
#91 6-4, 250
Pavo, GA
View Full Profile , wide receivers Deon CainDeon Cain
Fr. Wide Receiver
#8 6-1, 190
Tampa, FL
View Full Profile and Ray-Ray McCloudRay-Ray McCloud
Fr. Wide Receiver
#34 5-9, 175
Land O' Lakes, FL
View Full Profile , linebackers J.D and Judah DavisJudah Davis
Fr. Linebacker
#36 6-2, 220
Clemson, SC
View Full Profile , and Jalen WilliamsJalen Williams
Fr. Linebacker
#30 6-0, 215
Columbia, SC
View Full Profile , offensive linemen Mitch HyattMitch Hyatt
Fr. Offensive Line
#75 6-6, 270
Sugar Hill, GA
View Full Profile and Jake FruhmorgenJake Fruhmorgen
Fr. Offensive Line
#63 6-5, 285
Tampa, FL
View Full Profile , defensive lineman Albert HugginsAlbert Huggins
Fr. Defensive Line
#67 6-3, 280
Orangeburg, SC
View Full Profile and Christian WilkinsChristian Wilkins
Fr. Defensive Tackle
#42 6-5, 305
Longmeadow, CT
View Full Profile , defensive back Van SmithVan Smith
Fr. Defensive Back
#23 6-2, 170
Cornelius, NC
View Full Profile , and tight end Garrett WilliamsGarrett Williams
Fr. Tight End
#44 6-4, 225
Orlando, FL
View Full Profile . Other true freshmen could play as the season goes on, but many are “on the bubble” at the present time.

Williams is one who is not on the bubble. Clemson coaches have been pleased with the performance of the tight end from Orlando, Fla., who is the son of a former Florida State fullback. “Garrett Williams Is a physically gifted player who will help us this year. He has a great knowledge of the game. “

Swinney also said that running back Adam ChoiceAdam Choice
So. Running Back
#26 5-9, 215
Thomasville, GA
View Full Profile had played well in the preseason and is ready to play, but he might be held out. “We would like to get his year back, and I think he would like to get his year back. It would be a benefit to him in the long run.”

Choice played in six games last year before suffering a torn ACL at Boston College. He rushed for 218 yards in 50 carries, including a team best 61 yards against a Louisville defense that had a national best six defensive players drafted last year.