Ford nearing a full return soon

CLEMSON -- Hamstring injuries are touchy ailments, but Clemson wide receiver Jacoby Ford is setback-free as he nears returning to full participation in practice.

Head coach Dabo Swinney said Ford participated in all drills Monday night, but held Ford out of Tuesday's scrimmage.

Swinney said the receivers performed well during Ford's return Monday night and noted a subsequent drop off in production Tuesday morning sans Ford.

"(Ford) is a great player, but he is also a leader," Swinney said. "It's hard when he is not out there. He makes everyone else better."

The receiving group dropped four Kyle Parker passes Tuesday, and there continues to be no decision on starters next to Ford.

Ford aggravated scar tissue from a hamstring injury he sustained during track season while fielding a punt on the first day of summer camp.

Kick woes continue

Placekicking was Swinney's main concern entering summer camp and remains the foremost worry with 17 days until the season opener.

Spencer Benton and Richard Jackson were each 1 of 4 on their attempts Tuesday, and have been so uneven in their performances Swinney has added a third kicker to the competition Monday night in freshman Chandler Catanzaro, a Greenville native who doesn't even appear on the online roster.

Asked to describe his level of confidence in the kicking game, the usually positive Swinney said: "Not very confident."

Salute to Stanley

Swinney said several players have asked to alternate wearing Stanley Hunter's No. 17 jersey throughout the season. Hunter was a reserve linebacker last season, but was forced to quit football this summer due to epilepsy. Swinney said Brandon Maye will wear the jersey the first game, Willy Korn has asked to wear it for the second game at Georgia Tech.

Injury update

Left tackle Chris Hairston returned to play in Tuesday's scrimmage. Rendrick Taylor (fullback/tight end) and Miguel Chavis (defensive tackle) missed this scrimmage due to pulled hamstrings. Brandon Ford is still out with a rib injury.

Extra points

Parker and Willy Korn each ran well Tuesday. Parker totaled 50 yards on four carries, including a 29-yard touchdown. Korn added a 19-yard touchdown run. Korn completed 7 of 10 passes, Parker 3 of 10, though Swinney said Parker was victimized by four drops. Swinney crushed any thoughts of a quarterback controversy revival ... The Tigers are off today and Thursday as fall classes begin. Clemson returns to practice on Friday. ... Clemson is holding its fan appreciation day 3-5 p.m. Sunday at Death Valley.