Clemson offensive tackle Gifford Timothy injures knee, status unknown

CLEMSON – Projected Clemson starting right tackle Gifford Timothy was carted off the practice field today, a scene Clemson football did not care to witness knowing its lack of depth and experience at the position.

The severity of the injury is not known. Clemson coach Dabo Swinney said the initial prognosis was a strained PCL ligament, which is not as serious as an injury to the ACL ligament. But Swinney said further testing is required to diagnose the injury. The injury came on the first day the team was in full pads.

“I’m not a doctor but any time a player tweaks his knee it is a concern,” Swinney said.

Swinney said redshirt freshman Joe Gore would be next in line at the position.

Timothy, a 6-foot-6, 315-pound sophomore, entered summer camp as the projected starter after he made performance strides in the spring. Timothy has never started a college game. Only two returning offensive linemen have: Dalton Freeman and Brandon Thomas.

Crawford leaner as a sophomore
Clemson sophomore defensive end Corey Crawford has dropped his weight to 265 pounds from 280 pounds last year in effort to be quicker off the snap. The 6-foot-6 Crawford considers himself a speed rusher and said defensive coordinator Brent Venables asked him to drop the weight.

“I’m eating apples and oranges” Crawford said of his late-night snakes. “Before it was cream pies.”

Crawford thinks he’s ready to make an impact as a pass rusher at defensive end, Clemson’s greatest position of need at defensive end, according to coach Dabo Swinney. Crawford said he better understand fine points of the game.

“What are their tendencies on different downs?” Crawford said. “When are they going to pass the ball? Knowing that is key so you can have a quicker advantage.”

Venables is not concerned with Crawford’s lack of production as true freshman.

“Sammy Watkins, Adrian Peterson and Tommie Harris (impacted) as true freshmen,” Venables said of players he’s been around. “After that my list falls off.”

Extra points
Swinney thinks 6-foot-6 265-pound true freshman Isaiah Battle could be a star down the road at offensive tackle.

“He hasn’t been out-athleted by anyone. He has a chance to be some kind of player,” Swinney said.

Chad Morris tabbed receiver Charone Peake as a likely candidate to take some of the snaps Sammy Watkins will vacate during his two-game suspension. Backup kicker Ammon Lakip broke his kicking toe (right foot) before camp and is likely out for several more weeks.