Clemson Tailback Depth

[robgusc76]

One of my friends just imed me a board post from clemson that says they got a verbal from the top 09' tailback in the state. can someone answer me why all these tailbacks go to clemson when they see the recruiting and see that they already signed two tailbacks this year, and i know they signed some good ones a year ago, i dont understand why they would choose to go to a school where the chance to play is minimal because of depth, maybe its because tommy bowden is such a devout christian, yea right.

[Rice Rice Baby]

good question, maybe $$$?

[FeartheSpur]

they all think they are better than the other

[ColaCock]

well i guess the kid from the '09 class could see it this way: they got 2 rb's this year, one big name kid who will more than likely see the starting role. clemon was operating on a 2-back system for a while now with Davis & Spiller- why not continue with that? there is no guarantee that all players will pan out or stay in the program.

Or the kid could simply just be a Clemson fan and wanted to go there all his life- I think most of the in-state recruits are that way anyhow honestly, their decision is settled for the most part before any coach even speaks to them. I know when I was a senior in high school, there was hardly anything anyone could have done to convince me to attend Clemson- I was a big Gamecock fan and couldn't have it any other way.

[FeartheSpur]

they can get them all they want but you cant have but so many on the field at a time

[robgusc76]

They cant get on the field and they dont have coaches that can take advantage of talent, IE rob spence runs more screens than every team in the NCAA combined.

[FeartheSpur]

i dunno UGA loved them last year

[robgusc76]

Yea but georgia was good and they played in the SEC, i do understand how central michigan can be a challenge for clemson i mean their 3rd team must have gotten a workout.

[FeartheSpur]

we beat them and not CU...just saying

[FeartheSpur]

to me spence's offense looks so predictable as far as his play calling goes

[robgusc76]

Im standing firm in beliefe that is carlost thomas doesnt get hurt and we have someone other than a freshman playing that DB position or someone that atleast knows how to play press coverage, they dont pickup that first down and lose the game. but hindsight is 20 20 and to be honest if we would have played georgia later in the season and those two games were switched i think its the other way around, we beat clemson and lose to georgia. and his playcalling is predictable, VT proved that, every time it was atleast a 3rd distance longer than 5 yards, they were going to run somekind of screen or a slant to whatever his name is number 13, but we shall see.

[OVPcock]

It's almost like these kids think that Clemson is "Running Back U" or something, when it couldn't be further from the truth. Name a Clemson running back in the NFL... Or at least one who's decent... Sure, they get stellar talent like Spiller, Davis, Harper, etc... But can they develop that talent and coach them up? Just look at Spillers ypc last year and you have your answer. NO

[robgusc76]

I know what u are saying, i just read something on GCC check this out. If this is true it is the worst thing i have ever heard. I still believe there is something going on up there and one ole Tammy will be convicted of sins by God or by the NCAA
http://thecomission.blogspot.com/2008/02/you-slimy-rotten-dirty-mother.html

[Hopefultiger]

And yet great running backs keep coming. Spiller could have gone to any school he wanted. Ditto Harper. Ditto McDowell. USC offered McDowell too, if he's such a USC fan, why Clemson? Your points above are valid and given the depth at RB that Clemson has now, it's frankly surprising that McDowell committed. While this says a lot about Clemson recruiting, I'm afraid it also says lots about USC recruiting.

[CaptainCrunch]

Sumter Junior Back Commits To Clemson

By Phil Kornblut
RB Roderick McDowell (5-10 175) of Sumter has become Clemson's third commitment for the 2009 class. The speedster committed to the Tigers Sunday after making an unofficial visit to Clemson Saturday. "To better myself I feel like Clemson is a good school for me," McDowell said. "My offense plays like Clemson's and I'll be comfortable in their offense." Last season McDowell rushed for 1389 yards and 21 touchdowns. He accounted for 1500 total yards and 28 touchdowns. McDowell is well aware of highly regarded running back Jamie Harper who just signed with Clemson and is looking forward to playhing alongside him. "Harper is going to bring out the best in me," he said, "and I'm going to bring out the best in him." McDowell also has offers from USC and Kentucky.

[robgusc76]

I guess we just dont have as much money as clemson, hows that 80 million dollar lawsuit going, u are a clemson fan right.

[Hopefultiger]

I know what u are saying, i just read something on GCC check this out. If this is true it is the worst thing i have ever heard. I still believe there is something going on up there and one ole Tammy will be convicted of sins by God or by the NCAA
http://thecomission.blogspot.com/2008/02/you-slimy-rotten-dirty-mother.html

If someone said that about USC and SS, I wouldn't believe it. I don't believe it about TB either. If you do something like that, it makes you a bad person. TB may not be the best coach in the world, but he seems a pretty nice guy. Remember that TB was going to sign Spiller's release so that he could transfer to Florida, before JD drove down and talked CJ back to Clemson. Furthermore, if it were true why on earth would Andrew's parents want him in Clemson instead of Miami?

[robgusc76]

If someone said that about USC and SS, I wouldn't believe it. I don't believe it about TB either. If you do something like that, it makes you a bad person. TB may not be the best coach in the world, but he seems a pretty nice guy. Remember that TB was going to sign Spiller's release so that he could transfer to Florida, before JD drove down and talked CJ back to Clemson. Furthermore, if it were true why on earth would Andrew's parents want him in Clemson instead of Miami?


Yea i didnt believe that when i read it because if it was true harper would have gone to the media and bowden would have been screwed. most of the rumors on signing day are created because people are mad this time a it was a miami fan. Ne ways, see the saturday after thanksgiving.

[ShutTheSuccop]

And yet great running backs keep coming. Spiller could have gone to any school he wanted. Ditto Harper. Ditto McDowell. USC offered McDowell too, if he's such a USC fan, why Clemson? Your points above are valid and given the depth at RB that Clemson has now, it's frankly surprising that McDowell committed. While this says a lot about Clemson recruiting, I'm afraid it also says lots about USC recruiting.

It really makes me think that something is going on, not because Clemson is getting so much, but b/c they are doing it in spite of depth. I don't believe that TB would do think that he was accused of on GCC, however there appears to be something fishy. You are right that it says a lot about USC recruiting...we have a coach who does not tell recruits what they want to hear and never "preaches" to a recruit. I am sorry, but as a Christian, I hate it when people use their "Christianity" to further their own goals. I am so sick of reading how good of a Christian man he is and it makes SOS look like the anti-christ.

[Click]

Its a long way to next year's signing day!

[Curt Geezus]

It's almost like these kids think that Clemson is "Running Back U" or something, when it couldn't be further from the truth. Name a Clemson running back in the NFL... Or at least one who's decent... Sure, they get stellar talent like Spiller, Davis, Harper, etc... But can they develop that talent and coach them up? Just look at Spillers ypc last year and you have your answer. NO
James Davis is the first of the big time backs at Clemson, who is still at Clemson. Spiller averaged over 5 yards per carry last year with a terrible OL, not sure what your point is.

James Davis is out after this year, and likely Spiller too. So for 2009 that leaves Harper, Ellington and Mcdowell. That really isn't a lot of "depth", especially with the kind of offense Clemson runs.

It really makes me think that something is going on, not because Clemson is getting so much, but b/c they are doing it in spite of depth. I don't believe that TB would do think that he was accused of on GCC, however there appears to be something fishy. You are right that it says a lot about USC recruiting...we have a coach who does not tell recruits what they want to hear and never "preaches" to a recruit. I am sorry, but as a Christian, I hate it when people use their "Christianity" to further their own goals. I am so sick of reading how good of a Christian man he is and it makes SOS look like the anti-christ.

It was the way he was raised, should he hide it? If you are recruiting kids who attend church every Sunday and are members of FCA, why shouldn't you be talking to them about religion?

[Gamecock_Aholic]

i think more or less these kids just like clemson. if i got offered, i would pick USC over clemson cause i like carolina. even though i know clemson is better. maybe im wrong.

[ShutTheSuccop]

James Davis is the first of the big time backs at Clemson, who is still at Clemson. Spiller averaged over 5 yards per carry last year with a terrible OL, not sure what your point is.

James Davis is out after this year, and likely Spiller too. So for 2009 that leaves Harper, Ellington and Mcdowell. That really isn't a lot of "depth", especially with the kind of offense Clemson runs.



It was the way he was raised, should he hide it? If you are recruiting kids who attend church every Sunday and are members of FCA, why shouldn't you be talking to them about religion?

I hear what you are saying and I try not to judge people as that is wrong. I just think that it has no place in recruiting. SOS is the son of a Presbyterian Minister and do you hear him throwing that around? Maybe he should if that is what it takes to get recruits. I personally think that it is using his faith to gain recruits...to me my relationship with God is between us and I should not use it to gain more patients in my dental practice. I don't think that TB should do it either...now if he is asked about it by a recruit he should feel free to talk...I just have this feeling that he does this to win over the PARENTS of the recruit as opposed to the recruit himself.

[Hopefultiger]

It really makes me think that something is going on, not because Clemson is getting so much, but b/c they are doing it in spite of depth. I don't believe that TB would do think that he was accused of on GCC, however there appears to be something fishy. You are right that it says a lot about USC recruiting...we have a coach who does not tell recruits what they want to hear and never "preaches" to a recruit. I am sorry, but as a Christian, I hate it when people use their "Christianity" to further their own goals. I am so sick of reading how good of a Christian man he is and it makes SOS look like the anti-christ.

I disagree with nearly everything you said here. Kids want to go to schools where they are wanted. Really good players do not fear depth. Harper didn't give a crap about the depth at Clemson. He knows he's good enough to play ball anywhere. Thats why USC/LSU/GA have so much depth. Good players certainly aren't afraid to go to those schools.
I'll be the 1st to admit that Clemson isn't in the same league as these schools, but we want to be. To get there, we NEED these great players we are recruiting. I personally don't see a problem with telling these kids that, it's the plain truth. When you are a mediocre program like we are, telling a great recruit that if you come to Clemson and play hard and work hard, you are going to be a difference-maker is not a bad thing. On the other hand if you walk in and PRETEND that you don't need a great player, don't be surprised if he decides to go somewhere he is needed. Neither Clemson nor Carolina have the luxury of elite status where kids want to come just to be part of the tradition. It takes more than simply offering a kid to get him to come.
As to the Christianity part of it. I too have found (generally speaking) that the more a person tells you how much a Christian he is, the closer you had better watch your back. The people I know who seem to me to be the best Christian say little about it, and simply live it every day. This is not always true however, and while I do not know TB and Staff personally, they seem nice enough people who are interested in their players doing well in School and getting their degrees while they are playing ball. Telling a kid that he's going to have to go to church and class while he's at Clemson, probably doesn't turn them completely, but you can bet it gets their parent's attention. I think that that's where Clemson recruiting has made it's mark. While Antione McClain was in class last week in Alabama, his Mom was in Clemson for 3 days checking out the Classroom/Support side of things and getting recruited by staff. Did it matter? Who knows, but I bet it didn't hurt.

[Curt Geezus]

I hear what you are saying and I try not to judge people as that is wrong. I just think that it has no place in recruiting. SOS is the son of a Presbyterian Minister and do you hear him throwing that around? Maybe he should if that is what it takes to get recruits. I personally think that it is using his faith to gain recruits...to me my relationship with God is between us and I should not use it to gain more patients in my dental practice. I don't think that TB should do it either...now if he is asked about it by a recruit he should feel free to talk...I just have this feeling that he does this to win over the PARENTS of the recruit as opposed to the recruit himself.

If he was faking it just to get recruits, that would be wrong obviously. But I find that hard to believe.

Like I said, if he is recruiting Christian players, why shouldn't he try to connect with them on that level? Why shouldn't he want to share what many people consider the most important thing in their life?

[gamecockfandrew]

^ I kind of agree with that, but that is like those Christian infomercials (call now and pay $10.99 for us to pray for you). TB is using God/religion to benifit himself. I think that a lot of athletes get worried about getting caught up in the wrong things while at college (they just want to get in, and get out into the pros). I think some of them chose Clemson because it's away from the big town drama, and a lot of stuff can get thrown under the carpet due to the small size of the community. Everybody watches out for those players in Clemson (it's hard for them to get into trouble). At USC, once you're off campus, the po-po look for you if you are an athlete.



Plus, Tommy pays the players with money/cars/lake houses.

[The Dude]

I'm curious about the tiger fans' reaction to recruits, upon signing at press conferences, who emphatically claim "3 years and I'm gone!"

James Davis said it, and now Jamie Harper...

I know, i know...Davis said it- and now look...hes coming back...but still, doesnt that rub you the wrong way?

[Hopefultiger]

The truth doesn't rub me the wrong way. If Harper lives up to his hype, he should be as good as he's going to be by the end of his Junior year. Unless the RB class is huge (the case with JD this year), or Harper is going to get much better his final season (a la Gaines Adams), he'd be a fool not to go pro. He can come back for the degree later. How many USC/Clemson undergrads would drop out of school if they were offered a temporary (3-7 year job) making millions per year. The answer? Nearly every one of them. Clemson will just have to soldier on with all these RBs telling the truth, instead of lying their asses off saying how important their degree is (then surprising everyone by leaving).

[The Dude]

The truth doesn't rub me the wrong way. If Harper lives up to his hype, he should be as good as he's going to be by the end of his Junior year. Unless the RB class is huge (the case with JD this year), or Harper is going to get much better his final season (a la Gaines Adams), he'd be a fool not to go pro. He can come back for the degree later. How many USC/Clemson undergrads would drop out of school if they were offered a temporary (3-7 year job) making millions per year. The answer? Nearly every one of them. Clemson will just have to soldier on with all these RBs telling the truth, instead of lying their asses off saying how important their degree is (then surprising everyone by leaving).

i understand that the times are headed this way, but for a kid to not even THINK about graduating, thats just a damn shame...

I'd be saying the same thing if one of our recruits made his announcement the same way.

[SNEEZ]

b/c Clemsons biggest rival jsut HAPPENS to be the worst in the history of the world at defending the run.


just a thought.

[Curt Geezus]

With Harper, I don't know if those are his real intentions or if he just wanted to announce in a unique way. Either way, I would love for him to stay 4 years but I know that isn't the case with most big time prospects(who live up to the hype anyways).

[hardcock2]

they all think they are better than the other

typical tater attitude!:kill:

[usc1]

I also agree its wrong to use the Christian pitch to make your team better and make you, the coach, look better. This is another reason why I hate Tommy Bowden and Clemson. Him and his assistants will tell recruits anything and suck up to them big time to get them to come, but it sucks for the recruits because they get horrible coaches to coach them up.

[FinchMcCrunkNasty]

Bottom line Clemson is good...FOR ME TO POOP ON!

[Click]

With Harper, I don't know if those are his real intentions or if he just wanted to announce in a unique way. Either way, I would love for him to stay 4 years but I know that isn't the case with most big time prospects(who live up to the hype anyways).

Harper is a solid back. Man CU has some talent in that backfield. If I were them I'd change that offense around and make it play-action based with the QB under center rather than in the shotgun. They could really domninate the ACC given the talent they have on the OL. Hey, I'm about the biggest Gamecock fan you'll find but I really admire the talent they have. Imagine if SOS had that at USC?????

[usc1]

Harper is a solid back. Man CU has some talent in that backfield. If I were them I'd change that offense around and make it play-action based with the QB under center rather than in the shotgun. They could really domninate the ACC given the talent they have on the OL. Hey, I'm about the biggest Gamecock fan you'll find but I really admire the talent they have. Imagine if SOS had that at USC?????

We would win the SEC. Too bad we dont live or die on the recruiting trail like Clemson. I swear, they have recruiters instead of coaches. Why can't we be consistently good in recruiting like them?

[heathbates]

hell they could be paying these kids....who really wants to go to clampsin(if they can push the cows away and get there) to check these kids out

[kre25]

I'm curious about the tiger fans' reaction to recruits, upon signing at press conferences, who emphatically claim "3 years and I'm gone!"

James Davis said it, and now Jamie Harper...

I know, i know...Davis said it- and now look...hes coming back...but still, doesnt that rub you the wrong way?

I like it, because it means that Clemson is getting players that are at least capable of making a move to the NFL in a 3 year period.

To me it's just like Basketball, would Clemson or SC want a player to come to school that is just going to stay 1 year and then go to the NBA?

The answer is Hell Yes!!

[heathbates]

your right kre....but dammit when you type clemson in that orange color!

[robgusc76]

Harper is a solid back. Man CU has some talent in that backfield. If I were them I'd change that offense around and make it play-action based with the QB under center rather than in the shotgun. They could really domninate the ACC given the talent they have on the OL. Hey, I'm about the biggest Gamecock fan you'll find but I really admire the talent they have. Imagine if SOS had that at USC?????


If they change the offense then Rob Spence wont be able to run as many screens on 4 and 20 like he does now, he may actually have to have imagination and come up with some plays that involve more than a scree, or a streak with a slant on the opposite side of the field.

[kre25]

James Davis is out after this year, and likely Spiller too. So for 2009 that leaves Harper, Ellington and Mcdowell. That really isn't a lot of "depth", especially with the kind of offense Clemson runs.

That is Exactly Right!

In 09 we will have 3 RB's and 2 former DB's for Depth.

[robgusc76]

However i still say something is going on there i may be completely wrong and it could be my extreme hatred for orange and purple/navy blue whatever they choose but i swear it seems like tommy is going to leave that program on probation just like what his face left alabama.

[BlkMjk]

3 years is still 1 more than we are managing to keep our star wideouts.

[kre25]

your right kre....but dammit when you type clemson in that orange color!

Just for you heathbates Clemson!

Is that better?:woo: :rotfl: :lol: :thumbsup:

[heathbates]

:puke: :puke: :puke: :kill: :kill:

[robgusc76]

3 years is still 1 more than we are managing to keep our star wideouts.


Ok 1 reciever its not like it happens every year seriously get over it.

[kre25]

However i still say something is going on there i may be completely wrong and it could be my extreme hatred for orange and purple/navy blue whatever they choose but i swear it seems like tommy is going to leave that program on probation just like what his face left alabama.

I guess you are supposed to feel that way, it's alot easier than having to admit that the Clemson Coaches just out work and evaluate talent better than SC's Coaches so that they are able to offer these kids sooner, whitch is making a big difference with these kids.

Don't underestimate how long that the Clemson Staff has been in place.

SOS has been at SC 3 years and replaced 7 or 8 different Coaches on his staff in that time period.

If you are a HS Coach, are you ging to trust someone that you have worked with for 8 to 9 years or someone that you have just met?

[robgusc76]

I guess you are supposed to feel that way, it's alot easier than having to admit that the Clemson Coaches just out work and evaluate talent better than SC's Coaches so that they are able to offer these kids sooner, whitch is making a big difference with these kids.

Don't underestimate how long that the Clemson Staff has been in place.

SOS has been at SC 3 years and replaced 7 or 8 different Coaches on his staff in that time period.

If you are a HS Coach, are you ging to trust someone that you have worked with for 8 to 9 years or someone that you have just met?



Thats true, thats our schools fault though not sticking with coaches. Not talking about brad scott, i dont know y we hired lou holtz anyways knowing he was going to be retiring soon, the next coach we hire i hope spurrier has something to do with the hiring before he leaves, we need a good young coach like urban meyer that can cary on what has been started and can stay for more than 3 years because he isnt over the hill. but seriously after hearing about that law suit it still has a erie feeling up there.

[robgusc76]

One more thing to add to this now, clemson released their schedule for 2008 check out this slober knocker:


08/30/08 - vs. Alabama - Atlanta, GA
09/06/08 - vs. The Citadel - Clemson, SC
09/13/08 - vs. North Carolina State - Clemson, SC
09/20/08 - vs. South Carolina State - Clemson, SC
09/27/08 - vs. Maryland - Clemson, SC
10/09/08 - at Wake Forest TV - Winston-Salem, NC
10/18/08 - vs. Georgia Tech - Clemson, SC
11/01/08 - at Boston College - Chestnut Hill, MA
11/08/08 - at Florida State - Tallahassee, FL
11/15/08 - vs. Duke - Clemson, SC
11/22/08 - at Virginia - Charlottesville, VA
11/29/08 - vs. South Carolina - Clemson, SC

[usc1]

thats a joke

[Ga_Gamecock]

well i guess the kid from the '09 class could see it this way: they got 2 rb's this year, one big name kid who will more than likely see the starting role. clemon was operating on a 2-back system for a while now with Davis & Spiller- why not continue with that? there is no guarantee that all players will pan out or stay in the program.


I know

Its not like CU is the only team to land a string of quality TBs .. most team in the sec do the same

It just seems clemson has been getting the jump on us when it comes to getting on these kids early ...

when we sign two more back next year (hopefully very highly rated backs) we will fall into the same pattern as most big programs

[Curt Geezus]

However i still say something is going on there i may be completely wrong and it could be my extreme hatred for orange and purple/navy blue whatever they choose but i swear it seems like tommy is going to leave that program on probation just like what his face left alabama.

Yes it is just your hatred for Clemson. We haven't really been recruiting that great overall, this year is by far the biggest class we have had in years.

There is no reason, other than you hate Clemson, to believe something else is going on. I'm sure you didn't think there was anything going on last year when South Carolina had a top class.

[robgusc76]

Yes it is just your hatred for Clemson. We haven't really been recruiting that great overall, this year is by far the biggest class we have had in years.

There is no reason, other than you hate Clemson, to believe something else is going on. I'm sure you didn't think there was anything going on last year when South Carolina had a top class.

Actually, im always questioning every school in the country when it comes to recruiting even us. There is always something illegal going on whether people want to admit it or not. Seriously i know there are players on our roster driving around in a car that there is no possible way they could buy.

[morgan n' 7]

I don't think Clemson outworks us here, I also don't think there is some conspiracy that helps them in the state of South Carolina.

My opinion is this....Clemson's main recruiters have been in this state for almost 11 years. The high school coaches have gotten to know them, and have built friendships with them. I'm not saying the high school coaches don't call us when they have a good division 1 prospect, but I do believe they call Clemson first.

Stability(not talking coordinators) in assistant coaches/recruiters has helped Clemson in this state.

[Hopefultiger]

What's a real shame is that we are letting GA, Alabama, and Auburn get good players from SC. We do have good kids leaving the state every year. Clemson can't get them all. We need to stop feeding other programs out of state.

[kre25]

What's a real shame is that we are letting GA, Alabama, and Auburn get good players from SC. We do have good kids leaving the state every year. Clemson can't get them all. We need to stop feeding other programs out of state.

All that matters is that Clemson gets the best player possible, it doesn't matter where they are from.

If there are only 5 players in this State worth a D1 offer then you try to get them.

I'll give you a real good example of this, the 63-17 game.

Clemson's Offense had 8 out of State kids starting and SC's Defense had 8 in state kids starting, which was better?

Most of Clemson's playmakers are out of state kids, once they put on that jersey they are all just Tigers.