Study in contrasts at strong-side LBLarry Williams
Thursday, August 14, 2008
CLEMSON — The two players competing for the starting job at strong-side linebacker couldn't be more different on the field. Scotty Cooper is bulkier and specializes in run support. DeAndre McDaniel is faster and skilled in pass coverage. "We're just kind of like opposites," Cooper said. The Tigers are hoping opposites attract success at a position that could be crucial to the defense's fortunes this season. The two sophomores are still battling hard for the starting job, and so far all signs point to them splitting playing time this season. "We know we're going to probably be switching in and out most of the time anyway," McDaniel said. "So starting really isn't a big factor. It's probably going to be about 50-50." Cooper replaces Tramaine Billie, who started 11 of 13 games last year. Cooper, who played in 12 games as a freshman and started two, is still trying to recover from a damaged meniscus that required recovery from surgery late last season and after spring practice. Though he still has to undergo regular treatment, Cooper said he's healthy and ready to go. He knows he'd better be with McDaniel pushing him. McDaniel was used as the fifth defensive back in the Tigers' nickel package last season as a freshman, and he began practicing with the linebackers during the spring as coaches sought someone to challenge Cooper. The 6-0, 200-pound McDaniel said the most difficult adjustment has been taking on fullbacks and linemen in run support. He's hoping to eventually reach about 215 pounds. Cooper said McDaniel's presence has produced the desired effect. "It kind of opened my eyes and pushed me a little bit more, because we compete every day," he said. "You can go from first team to second team in a matter of a day." Kicking hiccups Coach Tommy Bowden wasn't happy with his kickers after Wednesday night's practice. Both Mark Buchholz and Richard Jackson missed what Bowden deemed gimmes during a live situation at session's end. "The only disappointing thing was we had both kickers miss kicks straight-on in the middle of the field," he said. "We set them up for success, and both Mark and Richard missed it with minimal rush with a good snap and a good hold. So that wasn't good." Larry Williams No decision yet Defensive coordinator Vic Koenning said he's still not sure whether freshman safeties Rashard Hall and Spencer Adams will play or redshirt this season. Of all the backups at safety, Koenning said Sadat Chambers has made the biggest impression thus far. Senior starters Michael Hamlin and Chris Clemons sat out Wednesday morning's scrimmage situations, allowing Koenning to take a hard look at his reserves. This and that Bowden on the offensive line: "Just not real consistent. We'll block pretty good one day, and all of a sudden they'll put a new defense in or a new stunt, and we'll miss it." … Bowden complimented freshman tailback Jamie Harper, saying he's showing a firm grasp of pass protections … The offense practiced its two-minute drill Wednesday and is slated to do so again in Saturday's stadium scrimmage. |
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Comments
This article has 7 comment(s)
Posted by IslandGirl83 on August 14, 2008 at 12:27 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Maybe he has been practicing those weird angle kicks too much and not the basics!! Come on Buchholz!
Posted by sbs920 on August 14, 2008 at 1:18 p.m. (Suggest removal)
islandgoat83,
Kicking hiccups
Coach Tommy Bowden wasn't happy with his kickers after Wednesday night's practice. Both Mark Buchholz and Richard Jackson missed what Bowden deemed gimmes during a live situation at session's end.
"The only disappointing thing was we had both kickers miss kicks straight-on in the middle of the field," he said. "We set them up for success, and both Mark and Richard missed it with minimal rush with a good snap and a good hold. So that wasn't good."
just yesterday little bucky was the greatest thing. . .
now he can't hit a beachball with a boat paddle. . . WTF!
sounds more like he is going to be the achilles heel ! LOL
Posted by rebel1 on August 14, 2008 at 2:16 p.m. (Suggest removal)
looks like big mac tbl are over. show tammy how good you are and he'll let you beat your mother. those puttykat fans have got to hate glass houses.
Posted by fantasy5 on August 14, 2008 at 3:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Hey guys, I understand you're dishing it because we dished it out with all the Garcia BS. That being said, SC's football program is an absolute joke and that's all there is to it. Everyone in the country feels the same way because you guys have never been a contender for anything. You may have won the ACC once upon a time, and once only, but other than that you have nothing to back up your smack talk. Although Clemson hasn't won anything since '91, we still have a program we can be proud of, seeing as we haven't gone 1-21 in two seasons, nor did it take us till the late 90's to make it to our first bowl win ever! Clemson AND DUKE own you historically, which should keep you chickens in check, but you still pop your nappy pigeon heads up on these message boards to cause ruckus. Good luck, because backing up all this bs is a mighty tall order for a team with such a terrible track record. WHO'S YA DADDY??
Posted by youmanyo on August 14, 2008 at 5:14 p.m. (Suggest removal)
But they are a member of the SEC?
Posted by JF on August 14, 2008 at 9:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Still seems a pity Clemson takes so much pride in beating USC that they ignore their own shortcomings, underperfoming talent, and below average coaching.
Quality of competion doesn't matter to Clemson fans? As long as you have a good conference record? No wonder Bowden has stayed on as coach. Mediocraty is their motto!
Comparing the ACC to SEC is ridiculous . ACC has four AP National Chamionships. The SEC has 13 by my count. Over four times as many! The SEC teams had five teams in the top 20 last year, the ACC one.
How many top five teams did Clemson play play year? South Carolina beat Georgia and played National Champions LSU fairly well. Clemson lost to all the final ranked AP opponents they played. USC played four teams finishing in the AP top 20. The ACC record in bowl games speaks for itself. Maybe the teams that used to be strong and joined the ACC are losing talent becuase of the level of competition.
By the way I used like Clemson, but Bowden, and behavior by my relatives a few of whom are really obnoxious Clemson fans, like you turned me off on the Tigers. I think Spurrier is a good coach and runs his teams well. SEC football is much more exciting and interesting than the ACC. I am not a fan who wants to hate the opponent.
Fnatasy you say I shouldn't talk about Clemson schedule as " we are beating you"? Do you play for the Tigers? What is your position, do you start? As for me I am not a player so you didn't beat me. Maybe you should try and find something more fullfilling to tie your identitity to than a football team.
This year Clemson has scheduled a grand total of ZERO teams ranking in the AP preseason top 20. South Carolina plays three teams ranked in the top 6, and four teams in the AP top 20. Thatis more interesting than watching Clemson wading through another garbage schedule.
Play somebody good and win before you run your mouth! When was Clemson's last victory over a ranked team?
Never heard your thoughts on LB beating up their girlfriends, all is fair in love and football in Clemson!
Posted by dereksmith on August 15, 2008 at 9:38 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Clemson doesn't "take pride in beating usc". usc is a bottom-of-the-barrel team. My preference would be to drop them off the schedule & pick up Ga.
Quality of competition DOES matter to Clemson fans, but you play with the cards you're dealt (see above). No, I don't play nor work in the athletic department, so I can't make out the schedule. Speaking of "how many top 5 teams" Clemson played, the schedule is made out years in advance. Several "top 5" teams have been asked to play Clemson, but won't (Colorado, Oklahoma, Texas) or have backed out (Auburn) of scheduling. Why? I don't know because I don't work in the athletic dept.
"Comparing the ACC to SEC is ridiculous" - do you pull for a conference or do you have a team?
Congrats to usc for playing "LSU fairly well". WTF does that mean?!!! Are you kidding me?!!!
Sorry about your relatives. They must be good people if they pull for Clemson. Maybe it's you. Spurrier is almost as good a coach as "Slew Goats", the God Almighty coach of college football!
Good luck to usc playing 3 teams ranked in the top 6. I hope they play them "fairly well".
"Play somebody good and win before you run your mouth!" - I don't see a single comment here of anybody running their mouth....just yours.
"LB beating up their girlfriends" - I haven't heard of a LB being convicted of hitting anyone.