Clemson’s Dabo Swinney said Terry Don Phillips put Clemson ‘back in business’; OL Gifford Timothy needs surgery

CLEMSON – Want to see Clemson athletic director Terry Don Phillips’ legacy at Clemson? Football coach Dabo Swinney might suggest taking a drive around campus. The campus, particularly the football facilities, look much different than when Swinney came to campus as an assistant coach in 2003.

Swinney said the Phillips’ legacy is tied to the improvements in facilities allowing Clemson to compete and recruit at higher levels. Swinney suggests Clemson name the indoor football practice facility, which is under construction, after Phillips,

“We were so far behind in every area,” said Swinney of his early time at Clemson. “He’s really given us a chance to compete at the highest level from a facilities standpoint, from a staff standpoint. He’s changed the playing field here at Clemson.

“That’s a great legacy he leaves behind: he put Clemson back in business.”

Clemson President James Barker noted that the West Zone would not have been possible without Phillips.

Phillips was also the one who took a chance on promoting receivers coach Swinney to head coach in 2008.

“He’s a great man,” Swinney said. “A man of class, a man of integrity and a man of vision. He’s also a man of guts.

“It sounds like he’ll be here through the season. Look forward to having one more run with him and hopefully we can have some more special memories.”

Timothy to have surgery today
Clemson’s projected starting right tackle, Gifford Timothy, will undergo arthroscopic surgery to repair damage to his meniscus (knee) today, Swinney told reporters today. Swinney said he hoped that Timothy will be ready for Auburn on Sept. 1.

Swinney said redshirt freshman Joe Gore is next in line at right tackle but Swinney added that center Dalton Freeman could also work at tackle. The staff had already planned on cross-training Freeman at a number of positions.

Swinney said the Jerome Maybank will convert from the defensive line to the offensive line.