Georgia Tech’s cut blocking ‘worst thing ever’

CLEMSON — Georgia Tech’s running game is prolific in part because of its cut-blocking philosophy, in which linemen and backs block by targeting opponents’ knees or lower body.

Cut blocking is controversial because it is believed to increase the possibility of knee injuries to opponents.

Clemson defensive end Corey Crawford is not a fan of the practice he and the Clemson defense will have to deal with when the Yellow Jackets play at Memorial Stadium at 3:30 p.m. Saturday.

“It’s the worst thing ever,” Crawford said. “Words can’t really describe how much I dislike (cut blocking).”

Furman utilized cut blocking earlier this season and Crawford said it is responsible for an injury DeShawn Williams suffered. Crawford said Clemson defenders will have to use their hands well to avoid and shed Georgia Tech blockers.

Watkins back
Clemson star receiver Sammy Watkins returned to the practice field Monday after missing Saturday’s game at Boston College with what the team said was a stomach virus.

“Apparently his problems last week were the result of dehydration, some trauma to the kidney caused by the physical nature of the Florida State game, and a virus,” Clemson coach Dabo Swinney said.

Nutritionist hired
Clemson announced Monday the hiring of Lisa Chan as the athletic department’s sports nutritionist.

Chan will plan menus, monitor the football training table and other meals for the football team.

Chan comes from Auburn, where she was a sports dietitian intern. She holds a bachelor of science degree in nutrition from Texas and a master of science degree in dietetics from Florida.

Offensive outburst
Clemson offensive coordinator Chad Morris: “With the numbers (DeAndre Hopkins) put up Saturday you would think that guy would have a chance to be a player of the week (nationally) until you saw the other numbers that were put up across the country, then he was just another guy.

“The spread offense and misdirection in college football you are seeing right now, I don’t know where it is going.”

Peters to start
Clemson cornerback Garry Peters will make his first career start versus Georgia Tech after coming off the bench to play well at Boston College, replacing Darius Robinson.