The Tigers practiced this morning in full pads. A few of the more notable developments:
*** Nolan Turner was asked whether the complexion of the defensive line had changed from his vantage point with several prominent new arrivals.
“When you bring in guys like Bryan (Bresee), Myles Murphy, (De’Monte) Capehart, Tre (Williams), they look the part and look like they’re ready to play,” he said. “But they have to learn the playbook, get them some good-on-good experience and let them rep. But it’s all mental for them.”
Five-star true freshman defensive end Myles Murphy. (Dawson Powers - Tigerillustrated.com)
*** Junior defensive end Xavier Thomas has appeared engaged with the team during workouts, safety Nolan Turner said.
Dabo Swinney announced earlier this month that Thomas would sit out much of the season to get in the right place physically and mentally after a challenging spring and summer.
“He’s here every day,” Turner said. “He’s watching, been working hard and working on his body. It’s good seeing him out there as an older guy giving wisdom. He hasn’t missed a beat and been doing everything we’ve been doing. Just getting his body right.”
*** Turner said no one has worked harder this offseason than Mike Jones, who replaces Isaiah Simmons at the strong-side linebacker position.
“All he does is work and grind, and he’s taken his game to another level,” Turner said.
“When you have a guy like Isaiah Simmons leaving, everyone expects that level. But they’re different players. Mike is better at Zay in some things, but Zay was a freak.”
*** Turner noted that part of the players’ decision to allow social media posting related to the chance for some to soon profit from name, image and likeness rights.
“We ultimately talked about letting guys building their brand during the season, and we’re going to try to do that with as limited distractions as possible,” he said.
-- PAUL STRELOW
*** Lannden Zanders said there's been a HUGE difference an Andrew Booth now that he's healthy, compared to last season when he was nagged by a knee injury that originated in high school.
"Andrew has been the guy," Zanders said. "His man coverage has gotten great. Now, you can definitely see that confidence when he's playing."
*** Said freshman receivers E.J. Williams and Ajou Ajou are as advertised. Said Ajou is "freakishly long." Said Williams' route running is similar to Justyn Ross.
*** The departure of Isaiah Simmons and his extraordinary versatility has brought a bunch of cross-training and moving around for the DBs. Zanders said he's practiced at both safety positions and the nickel spot. They're also rolling in a bunch of guys at the dime position.
*** Said Malcolm Greene brings "a lot of juice." Said he's a lot like K'Von Wallace.
*** Said D.J. Uiagalelei is a lot like Trevor Lawrence and there's very little drop-off. He has very precise zip, and defensive backs have to be in very tight coverage. -- LARRY WILLIAMS
FROM THE TIGER FAN SHOP: Click HERE to check out all of our inventory, plus early summer DEALS on officially-licensed CLEMSON apparel!
*** Nolan Turner was asked whether the complexion of the defensive line had changed from his vantage point with several prominent new arrivals.
“When you bring in guys like Bryan (Bresee), Myles Murphy, (De’Monte) Capehart, Tre (Williams), they look the part and look like they’re ready to play,” he said. “But they have to learn the playbook, get them some good-on-good experience and let them rep. But it’s all mental for them.”
Five-star true freshman defensive end Myles Murphy. (Dawson Powers - Tigerillustrated.com)
*** Junior defensive end Xavier Thomas has appeared engaged with the team during workouts, safety Nolan Turner said.
Dabo Swinney announced earlier this month that Thomas would sit out much of the season to get in the right place physically and mentally after a challenging spring and summer.
“He’s here every day,” Turner said. “He’s watching, been working hard and working on his body. It’s good seeing him out there as an older guy giving wisdom. He hasn’t missed a beat and been doing everything we’ve been doing. Just getting his body right.”
*** Turner said no one has worked harder this offseason than Mike Jones, who replaces Isaiah Simmons at the strong-side linebacker position.
“All he does is work and grind, and he’s taken his game to another level,” Turner said.
“When you have a guy like Isaiah Simmons leaving, everyone expects that level. But they’re different players. Mike is better at Zay in some things, but Zay was a freak.”
*** Turner noted that part of the players’ decision to allow social media posting related to the chance for some to soon profit from name, image and likeness rights.
“We ultimately talked about letting guys building their brand during the season, and we’re going to try to do that with as limited distractions as possible,” he said.
-- PAUL STRELOW
*** Lannden Zanders said there's been a HUGE difference an Andrew Booth now that he's healthy, compared to last season when he was nagged by a knee injury that originated in high school.
"Andrew has been the guy," Zanders said. "His man coverage has gotten great. Now, you can definitely see that confidence when he's playing."
*** Said freshman receivers E.J. Williams and Ajou Ajou are as advertised. Said Ajou is "freakishly long." Said Williams' route running is similar to Justyn Ross.
*** The departure of Isaiah Simmons and his extraordinary versatility has brought a bunch of cross-training and moving around for the DBs. Zanders said he's practiced at both safety positions and the nickel spot. They're also rolling in a bunch of guys at the dime position.
*** Said Malcolm Greene brings "a lot of juice." Said he's a lot like K'Von Wallace.
*** Said D.J. Uiagalelei is a lot like Trevor Lawrence and there's very little drop-off. He has very precise zip, and defensive backs have to be in very tight coverage. -- LARRY WILLIAMS
FROM THE TIGER FAN SHOP: Click HERE to check out all of our inventory, plus early summer DEALS on officially-licensed CLEMSON apparel!
