Clemson Holds First Work Out in Miami

by CU Athletic Communications - Mon Dec 30 16:18:52 GMT-04:00 2013

Clemson, Sc—Clemson held its first practice in Miami, FL on Monday in preparation for Friday night’s Discover Orange Bowl game against sixth-ranked Ohio State. The Tigers and Buckeyes are meeting for just the second time, the first time since the 1978 Gator Bowl.

The Tigers worked from 11:50 AM until 2:00 PM at Barry University in Miami, FL. The practice included a 15-minute “JV” practice as Head Coach Dabo Swinney worked on fundamentals for his young players for the final three periods. It was a spirited workout in 75-degree temperatures under cloudy skies for the first 90 minutes, then sunny skies for the final 30 minutes.

“We came out and competed today,” said Swinney, who is coaching Clemson in a bowl game for the sixth straight year. “It was a good Tuesday practice. We are ahead in the schedule because the game is on Friday. With three weeks to prepare for this game, at this point both teams are working on the details. That is what you have to do to play well. Each team is going to have plenty of time to prepare.

“Our focus was very good today. We didn’t make every play and we still have some things to correct, but I liked what I saw today.”

Swinney was asked about working on drills to prevent turnovers. The Tigers have 10 turnovers in their two losses this year, but just 12 in the 10 wins. Clemson is 32-3 under Swinney when winning the turnover margin.

“We could not possibly do more drills on taking care of the ball, “said Swinney with a chuckle. “In our preseason study, the goal was 17-18 turnovers for the course of the season. That is national championship caliber. We were right there with 16 heading into the South Carolina game. But that game got away from us in terms of turnovers (six).”

Swinney was also asked after practice if his team had an advantage in the passing game, in particular with Clemson’s wide receivers. “Both teams are very good. I don’t see an advantage. Ohio State has an outstanding defense. One of the reasons opponent passing yards are what they are is because teams can’t run the ball on them. They are in the top 10 in the nation in rushing defense. Ryan Shazier makes every play on defense, he is always around the ball.Overall this game is about executing your plan. We must be focused on that.

Practice Notes: Clemson’s practice was similar in its format with the bowl practices at Clemson. The Tigers had a 10-minute walk through to start practice, had 10 minutes of calisthenics, then 17 five-minute period of practice, followed by a 15 minute JV practice….The Tigers were in full pads today, will be in shells on Tuesday. Wednesday will be similar to a normal Thursday practice….among the visitors at practice was former Clemson defensive back Charles Hafley, a starter on Clemson’s 2000 team that played Virginia Tech in the Gator Bowl….Hafley is now a high school head coach in the Miami area…other visitors included former Florida State wide receiver Kex McCorvey and former University of Miami head coach Randy Shannon….one of the highlights of the practice was a 50 yard touchdown reception by walk-on receiver Andrew MaassAndrew Maass
RS Jr. Wide Receiver
#82 6-4, 185
Ridgeway, SC
View Full Profile . Maass has been out with a broken ankle most of the year…after he made the catch he dunked the football over the goal post, making the post tilt to the left….many of his teammates ran on the field to congratulate Maass, who had been on crutches most of the year…among the young players Swinney talked about in a positive manner after practice were Tyrone CrowderTyrone Crowder
Fr. Offensive Line
#55 6-2, 325
Marston, NC
View Full Profile , an offensive guard from Marston, NC, Maverick MorrisMaverick Morris
Fr. Offensive Line
#69 6-4, 285
Broxton, GA
View Full Profile , an offensive tackle from Broxton, GA, Ben BoulwareBen Boulware
Fr. Outside Linebacker
#10 6-1, 230
Anderson, SC
View Full Profile , linebacker from Anderson, and Adrien Dunn, a wide receiver from Daniel High School in Clemson….the Tigers returned to the hotel around 3 PM and had the rest of the afternoon to attend a beach outing at the team hotel, the Fountainbleau…the Tigers will practice at Barry University Tuesday and Wednesday.