Second-team OL getting spring attention

CLEMSON -- Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney likes the Tigers' starting units, but one major area of concern this spring is the second-team offensive line.

The unit struggled against the first- and second-team defensive lines in Clemson's scrimmages on Saturday, allowing second-team quarterback Michael Wade little time to throw and little space for tailback Roderick McDowell to run. Offensive coordinator Billy Napier indicated there is a wide gulf between first- and second-team production.

While the starting offensive line made progress last season and loses just one starter, a single injury could expose a soft underbelly.

The one player the Clemson staff is comfortable with on the second unit is junior guard Wilson Norris, though he still needs to improve as a pass blocker.

"We have a lot of freshmen, a lot of young guys," said Norris of the second group. "They are young, they are raw. It takes a long time."

Brandon Thomas, a redshirt freshman, and Phillip Price, a converted tight end, are the reserve tackles and neither has taken an official snap. Backup interior players Kalon Davis, a freshman, and sophomore Matt Sanders are also inexperienced.

Cooper injured

The Tigers are already thin at linebacker and could be without Scotty Cooper for a considerable amount of time. Cooper hurt himself during Friday's practice and was held out of Saturday's scrimmage. Swinney said X-rays will be evaluated early this week. The team is hoping Cooper suffered a groin pull and not a sports hernia, which could require surgery.

NFL sales pitch

While Swinney has talked before about how he believes Kyle Parker has a future in the NFL, he offered perhaps his strongest endorsement to date Monday, following Parker's return to football practice.

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"I think he has tremendous NFL ability," Swinney said. "I don't have any doubts he can play on Sunday. I think it would have to be a Brinks truck full of money (for Parker to give up football). At this time next year he'll still have leverage.

"Everyone wants to debate it but I think it would be crying shame if he did not give the NFL a shot."

Extra points

Swinney said redshirting Kourtnei Brown was best for the team and for Brown last year. He said Brown now has a chance to develop into an NFL prospect at defensive end. … Swinney continued to praise linebacker Tig Willard , saying he's "had an excellent spring, is not making many mistakes and is tackling well."