Tigers’ play impressive at annual Orange and White game

By Stephen Jerdan  |   Tuesday, April 11, 2006  |  Comments( 0 )

Clemson Tigers
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In front of 17,500 fans, the Clemson Tigers wrapped up their spring workouts with the annual Orange and White scrimmage this past Saturday in a White squad victory, 24-14.

For the first time in his eight-year tenure at Clemson, head coach Tommy Bowden split his teams for the annual conclusion of spring workouts, which placed the first team offense and second team defense in Orange, and the first team defense and second team offense in White. This format allowed the squads to contend head-to-head in a real game experience rather than the normal offense versus defense style where big defensive plays put points on the board.

“I liked the competitive atmosphere we had today and as long as we have the depth, I would like to continue to divide the teams for the spring game in the future," said Bowden.

The Clemson Tigers' defense, however, made the biggest splash of the scrimmage. The two squads combined for 6 interceptions, including 3 by White squad's Sergio Gilliam and another one returned 35 yards for a touchdown by fellow White squad corner, CJ Gaddis.

Tackling also impressed the coaches. Antonio Clay and Jermaine Martin each made 6 tackles, including 2 sacks a piece. Brandon Cannon came up with just 3 tackles, but all were behind the line of scrimmage, and 2 of the 3 were recorded as sacks. Gaddis had what many fans would say was the hit of the day on Orange squad RB Demerick Chancellor, in which he completely flipped Chancellor on a goal line situation.

"The defense was much improved over last Saturday," said Tommy Bowden. "That happens during the spring. They were motivated by what happened last Saturday when the offense dominated. They have pride and wanted to make amends for that performance. It was good to see that they wanted to have the upper hand today."

Although the defense dominated most of the game, the offense was quick to respond with a few big plays as well.

Two receivers stood out from all others. Orange squad receiver Rendrick Taylor completed several big plays, including a 97-yard touchdown strike from Tribble Reese caught near the line of scrimmage. Taylor finished the day with 4 receptions for 174 yards and one TD. White squad sophomore WR Tyler Grisham made a strong argument for a starting position, grabbing 9 receptions for 106 yards.

Paul Macko nabbed top running back position, rushing for 66 yards on 12 carries with one touchdown for the White squad. Orange squad RB Demerick Chancellor also saw plenty of playing time, rushing for 43 yards and one TD on 12 carries. Last year's ACC Rookie of the Year James Davis had little playing time, but managed to rush for 11 yards on 7 carries.

Charlie Whitehurst's successor and new Clemson starter, senior QB Will Proctor, struggled on Saturday as he hit just 4-of-9 for 73 yards and threw for 3 interceptions, one of which was CJ Gaddis' 35 yard TD return. Proctor's backup, Cullen Harper, started for the White squad, and finished the day completing 15-of-25 for 156 yards, one TD, and 2 interceptions. Third stringer, Tribble Reese, went 3-of-10 for 113 yards, one TD, and 2 interceptions.

“The defense had a pretty good day when we went out there and scrimmaged," said Bowden. “Of course we had a couple of (offensive) weapons in Aaron Kelly and Chansi Stuckey (out), and Jacoby Ford was limited, but we are hoping to have enough weapons offensively where we can be fairly productive on a consistent basis more so than in the past. I have been pleased with the progress we have made on both sides of the ball."

Throughout the day, the Tigers' defense made a case for being one of the best in the country, while depth at nearly every position on both sides of the ball was very beneficial. With 15 starters returning and a laundry list of young talent that includes James Davis, Aaron Kelly, Rendrick Taylor, and many others, the Tigers are favored by many to make an appearance in Jacksonville for the ACC Championship Game.
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