FERNANDINA BEACH, Fla. — The Clemson Football team practiced for the final time in preparation for Friday’s Gator Bowl against Kentucky.
The Tigers, seeded No. 22, practiced Wednesday at Fernandina Beach High School’s Pirates Field in Fernandina Beach, Fla. The media were allowed to watch the first 30 minutes of practice.
Here are some observations from Wednesday’s practice:
Clemson opened practice with some offensive drills. Running back Phil Mafah came out with the first-team offense, so it looks like he could get his fifth straight start.
–Running back Will Shipley looked loose at practice as he was joking around with Mafah and a few more of his teammates.
– It definitely looks like Antonio Williams will play in the Gator Bowl. The second-year receiver, who has been injured most of the year, wore a white jersey today and was covered with second-team receivers. I was betting on the cash this year.
–Wide receiver Adam Randell was returning punts. The sophomore was blazing down the sideline during one return.
“Freshman running back Jay Haynes worked on the third team at times, we noticed.
First-year safety Rob Billings wore a yellow jersey.
– One of the most productive things we saw was punt backer Hamp Greene throwing the ball in the air and pretending to catch punts, waiting for his turn to return to practice.
–Quarterback Cade Klubnik was booed by his teammates after he shanked a pooch punt badly. Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney made him redo it.
–There were two former players at Wednesday’s practice. Former Clemson great Terrence Flagler was again at practice. He also attended Tuesday’s practice. Flagler is from Fernandina Beach and went to Fernandina Beach High School. He played at Clemson from 1982-’86 and finished his career as Clemson’s second all-time leading rusher. His last game in a Clemson uniform was in the Tigers’ 1986 Gator Bowl win over Stanford. Flagler went on to play six years in the NFL after being drafted and winning two Super Bowls for the San Francisco 49ers.
Former Clemson offensive and defensive lineman Bobby Hutchinson was also in attendance. Hutchinson is a local from Madison County, Florida. Hutchinson brought both of his sons to practice. Hutchinson played for Clemson from 2005 to 2008. Su final game at Clemson in the 2009 Gator Bowl. opposite Nebraska.
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