Coleman’s return is good news for Clemson

By Steve LeMaster  |   Tuesday, May 30, 2006  |  Comments( 0 )

Clemson Tigers
Got something to say?

Sign Up and be the first to comment on this article!

Clemson fans won't have to lose sleep over the eligibility of one fifth-year senior.

Regardless of how summer school goes, Clemson starting cornerback Duane Coleman will be back for the 2005 season. Coleman has received an academic waiver and will be eligible to play for the Tigers in the fall, even if he has not earned his undergraduate degree by the end of summer school.

A partial qualifier when he entered Clemson in 2002, Coleman and his coaches were hoping for the waiver that they have now received. NCAA rules require a partial qualifier to earn an undergraduate degree prior to the beginning of their fifth year of eligibility. The waiver will allow Coleman to continue playing football for the Tigers, during his senior season, regardless of his academic standing when Clemson begins the 2006 season.

Coleman has said he plans to receive his degree in human resource management in December. He's still on track to do so. His return to the defensive and special teams units will have an immediate impact for the Clemson Tigers. Yes, Coleman, who chose Clemson over Miami (FL), Purdue, Michigan State, Ohio State, Pittsburgh and West Virginia, among others, is an impact player on special teams as well as defense.

College football coaches - offensive and defensive - continually debate over players and where an individual can best help their program. Coleman has no doubt been the subject of much debate. He's one of the most versatile players in the Clemson football program's history.

Coleman has played both running back and cornerback at Clemson. Last season, he started the campaign's last three games at cornerback and recorded a total of 35 tackles on the year. The Naples, Florida native made nine tackles in Clemson's impressive 35-14 win over Florida State. Coleman also returned kicks for the Tigers during the 2005 season, finishing with 249 yards. He entered last season as a reserve running back after earning letters in both the 2003 and 2004 campaigns. The No. 10 rated overall high school player/No. 1 running back in football-plentiful Florida his senior prep season, Coleman now punishes opposing ball carriers.

Long removed from the 2003 season, Coleman uses some of what he learned on the offensive side on the defensive and special teams.

In 2003, he ranked as Clemson's top rusher, gaining 615 yards and scoring five touchdowns. Coleman also hauled in 309 yards. The fifth-year senior is one of only two Clemson players to register 600 yards rushing and 300 yards receiving in the same season. Another highlight for the Naples High School product came when he made a start in the 2004 Peach Bowl versus then No. 6 Tennessee.

Coleman solidified his commitment to academics and earning his degree during the 2005-06 school year, making his way onto the Clemson Dean's List.
Got something to say?

Sign Up and be the first to comment on this article! (0)

Article Tools Share!   |  RSS  |  Bleacher Report About Bleacher Report