Little relief for O-line vs. Bama
On the beat: Clemson
Larry Williams
CLEMSON— Clemson's starting offensive linemen probably won't get many — if any — breathers Saturday against Alabama.
Coach Tommy Bowden said the comfort level with the backups isn't particularly high at the moment. "We won't play a lot of guys right now, unless we get injuries. There will be a minimal rotation right now."
The starting line consists of left tackle Chris Hairston, left guard Jamarcus Grant, center Thomas Austin, right guard Barry Humphries and right tackle Cory Lambert.
Austin and Humphries combined for 19 starts last season as redshirt sophomores, but the other three have totaled just two starts. Lambert and Grant, both redshirt juniors, have seldom played in close games the past two years.
But the second-team line has zero experience, and Bowden says there's a lot of separation between the two groups thus far.
"We need a lot of work in that area," he said.
Redshirt freshman guard Mason Cloy is the reserve with the best chance at playing time. He returned to practice Monday after missing time last week with a sprained knee, and Bowden said he should be ready to go Saturday in Atlanta.
Cadillac style
Defensive coordinator Vic Koenning seems to think there's something fishy about the cars purportedly being driven by two of Alabama's hotshot freshmen.
Koenning was asked a question after Monday's practice about his recruiting ties in south Alabama. He responded by recounting an alleged encounter with Crimson Tide receivers Julio Jones and B.J. Scott, both of whom are from Koenning's recruiting territory.
"I actually ran into Julio in the spring recruiting," Koenning said. "I said hello to him. I said, 'Well, I guess I'll be seeing you at the end of August.' And then he got out and got in his Escalade and drove off. That's serious.
"And then I went over and watched (B.J.) Scott at Vigor High School at the track over there. ... He went and got in his Escalade out at track practice and drove off. So I'm familiar with those two guys."
Linebacker update
Koenning said he's mostly happy with what he's seen thus far from his linebackers, a group that lost its top four players from last season.
"As a group, the talent is definitely there," he said. "I think they've got a want-to. I still think there's some thinking that's going on. You would hope by this time that they could relax and just play. But I guess that's just the nature of that inexperience factor."
Redshirt freshman Brandon Maye is expected to start ahead of freshman Stanley Hunter in the middle. Fourth-year junior Kavell Conner is ahead of junior Jeremy Campbell on the weak side, and sophomore Scotty Cooper has the edge on DeAndre McDaniel on the other end.
No announcement yet on the status of McDaniel, a sophomore who has agreed to pre-trial intervention to resolve his June 21 arrest for assault and battery of a high and aggravated nature.
"Coach Bowden is kind of waiting on the powers that be, I guess," Koenning said.
This and that
Freshman tailback Jamie Harper was upgraded to a green jersey but remains questionable for Saturday's game ... Defensive end Kevin Alexander (infection) returned to practice and has the starting edge over Da'Quan Bowers ... Bowden Jimmy Maners and Dawson Zimmerman are still battling for the top punting job.
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Comments
Rooster07 (anonymous) says...
Hmmm...first Phillip Fulmer, now Koenning. Maybe there is something fishy going on at Bama....wouldn't be the first time.
August 26, 2008 at 7:03 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
tenpoundhammer (anonymous) says...
Vic is a low class, racist, liar. Neither Julio or BJ own an Escalade, never have. It looks like Vic and Tommy boy needs a lesson on respect. Saturday Night they'll get one.
August 26, 2008 at 8:12 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
tigerrecord (anonymous) says...
TenPoundHammer,
You are in the wrong state to be running your mouth about alabama. Why would a coach say some kids on a team drive an escalade if they didn't? Listen, I'm not from Alabama, so I can't possibly be that dumb, but that just doesn't make any sense.
They play the game for a reason, see you Sat.
August 26, 2008 at 8:30 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
tenpoundhammer (anonymous) says...
Well tiger that's a good question. Why did he lie? Julio drives a 2002 Tahoe and BJ drives an older model orange Buick. That's just a really stupid comment that proves he has no respect for Saban or The U of A. You're right the game is played for a reason, it should be a great one. Roll Tide!
August 26, 2008 at 8:45 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
DCartisan (anonymous) says...
Does he know who the Escalades belong to? If not, then why did he even answer the question? That was the perfect opportunity for "No Comment".
This will serve as fodder for Alabama for Saturday's game. Actually, they are already fuming about these accusations on their message boards. Very interesting comments...
August 26, 2008 at 8:56 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
fjms (anonymous) says...
How does tham make him a racist? Give me a break.
August 26, 2008 at 10:18 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
fantasy5 (anonymous) says...
Well, they probably don't own the Escalades, it's likely the bank "owns" them. Who the CEO of the bank is that "owns" the vehicles might be interesting to know, but one way or the other, none of this stuff should matter. I'm inetersted to know how 10lber know's all this insider info, but regardless, let them fume, it shouldn't be a contest come Satruday...
August 26, 2008 at 10:41 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Rooster07 (anonymous) says...
It would take more than an Escalade to get me to go to Bammer. I agree with you DCartisan. Whether its true or not, Koenning should not have commented on it. It can cause a distaction for the team and give Bama locker room material.
August 26, 2008 at 11:04 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
sbs920 (anonymous) says...
Bama will come with at least 6 in the box early in this game against CU's inexperienced OL.
"No announcement yet on the status of McDaniel, a sophomore who has agreed to pre-trial intervention to resolve his June 21 arrest for assault and battery of a high and aggravated nature. (LOL!)
"Coach Bowden is kind of waiting on the powers that be, I guess," Koenning said. " (LOL!) What powers? LOL!
This JOKE just isn't funny. . .
Of course he'll play against Bama.
Resolution will come AFTER the game. .
Seen it before and you'll see it again. . .
Thats Lil Tammy for ya!
August 26, 2008 at 2:54 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
fantasy5 (anonymous) says...
You shouldn't disrespect your DADDY like that sbs... He'll continue to whoop you like the red-headed step-child you are!
August 26, 2008 at 3:06 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
youmanyo (anonymous) says...
Better start getting your excuses ready for this year chickens , October will be here soon .
August 26, 2008 at 3:55 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
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