Bowden Seeking Third Straight Bowl Bid
Clemson needs one more victory to become bowl eligible. If the Tigers are selected for a bowl game in December, it would give Clemson three bowl bids in the three seasons Tommy Bowden has been the head coach. He would become the first coach in Clemson history to take the Tigers to a bowl game in each of his first three years as head coach.

Danny Ford had a 26-9 record through his first three full seasons as Clemson head coach, but his 1980 Tigers had a 6-5 record and were not selected for a bowl game. Ken Hatfield was 24-10-1 in his first three years, but his third Tiger team was 5-6 and did not go to a bowl. Frank Howard was 16-10-2 in his first three years, but he did not take the Tigers to a bowl game until his ninth season, 1948. Of course, there were very few bowl games in those days.

With two regular season games to go and perhaps a bowl game, Bowden trails only Ford, Hatfield and Josh Cody (1927-29) as far as total victories after three seasons. Cody was 21-9-1 for his first three years. Bowden is 20-13 in his first two years plus nine games.

Bowden Tries for Three in a Row over South Carolina
Clemson Head Coach Tommy Bowden is trying to win his first three games against South Carolina. The current Tiger coach won in Columbia in 1999 (31-21) and last year at Clemson (16-14). A victory on Saturday at South Carolina would make Bowden the first Clemson coach since Josh Cody (1927-30) to win his first three games as Clemson coach over South Carolina. Cody was a perfect 4-0 in his career against South Carolina, the only Clemson coach with a perfect record against the Gamecocks.

Only two other Clemson coaches in history won their first three games against South Carolina. Bob Williams won in 1909, 1913-14 and Ed Donahue defeated South Carolina in first three years, 1917-18-19. South Carolina Coach Lou Holtz had a perfect 4-0 record against Clemson when he was the head coach at N.C. State. He is 0-2 against Clemson as South Carolina's head coach.

Bowden 8-2 Week After a Loss
For the second year in a row, Head Coach Tommy Bowden enters the South Carolina game on a two-game losing streak, the only two-game losing streaks of his Clemson career. He has been strong the week after a loss, now 8-2 at Clemson and 11-3 for his career. Twice this year he has overcome a home loss, only to win on the road. After a heart-breaking 26-24 loss to Virginia on the next to the last play of the game, he took the Tigers to victory over a top 10 Georgia Tech team in Atlanta.

Later in the year, Clemson lost to North Carolina at home, only to have his team come back and defeat Wake Forest on the road. Now he must have his team comeback on the road at South Carolina.

Bowden Has Top Record among Coaches who Made Changes in 1997
Twenty-four coaches took on new Division I coaching jobs in 1997. Clemson head coach Tommy Bowden began his head coaching career at Tulane that year. Five years later he has a 38-17 overall record and the .691 winning percentage is the best among the coaches who took over new jobs five years ago. Bowden has a slim lead on Purdue Head Coach Joe Tiller who has a 5-3 record this year and 38-19 mark overall for a .691 winning percentage.

Here is a list of the top seven Coaches among the 24 who took over New Division I programs in 1997

Facts on Clemson's Youth
Clemson has one its youngest teams in years. There is good leadership from the senior class of 18 players on the travel roster, but 34 of Clemson's 44 players on the two-deep are slated to return next year. Out of the nine ACC schools, only Duke has more players expected to return with 35.

When it comes to defense, the youth notes continue. Nineteen of Clemson's top 22 are expected to return next season. That can be confusing because starting defensive tackle Nick Eason is listed as a graduate student. Most graduate students are in their final year of eligibility, but not Nick. He graduated in three years and had a red-shirt year athletically, so he still has another year and is expected to return. Clemson and Duke are the only teams in the ACC with 19 of its top 22 players on defense expected to return next season.

Clemson has seven freshmen listed as first or second team on defense. Clemson and Wake Forest are the only ACC schools to have seven freshmen on their defensive 2-deep. These freshmen, five of which are first-year freshmen, see significant playing time. Donnell Washington is a defensive tackle who has seven tackles for loss this year, tied for second on the team. Moe Fountain has six and is tied for third on the club. Ryan Hemby has started two games at cornerback and has 10 tackles, while linebacker Eric Sampson had 14 tackles off the bench to key the defensive effort in the win over Wake Forest.

Hamilton Returns Kickoff 100 Yards for TD
Freshman Derrick Hamilton returned a kickoff 100 yards for a touchdown in Clemson's 37-20 loss at Maryland. He became the first Tiger in almost 100 years to take a kickoff return goal line to goal line for a score. The only other 100-yard kickoff return for a score on record is a 100-yard return by John Maxwell against Cumberland College in 1903. That game was played on Nov. 26, 1903 and was played in Montgomery, AL in what was considered to be the "Championship of the South." That turned out to be John Heisman's last game as Clemson head coach.

Hamilton really raced 103 yards, as he fielded the ball three yards deep in the endzone, raced up the Clemson sideline, then ran to the other side of the field and raced the remaining 50 yards down the Maryland sideline. It was just the eighth kickoff return for a touchdown in Clemson history, the first since 1990.

Ironically, the last time Clemson had a player return a kickoff for a touchdown was against Maryland. In 1990, in a game played at Baltimore Memorial Stadium, Doug Thomas ran 98 yards for a score on a kickoff return in an 18-17 win over the Terps. Clemson once went 25 years without a kickoff return for a touchdown. Clemson did not have a kickoff return for a touchdown between Hal Davis's 98-yard return against Georgia in 1962 and Joe Henderson's 95-yard return for a score against Georgia Tech in 1987. Henderson's return for a score broke a streak of 999 consecutive punt or kickoff returns without a touchdown, a 17-year streak.

Getting back to Hamilton, he finished the day with 153 yards on two official kickoff returns. The 71.5 yards per return set a Clemson record. He broke Henderson's record of 60 yards per return against Tech in 1987. His 153 yards in kickoff returns rank fifth best in school history for a single game. David Thomas had a record 174 yards on five returns at Georgia Tech in 1972.

Hamilton certainly contributed to Clemson's record 218 kickoff return yards at Maryland. The previous best was just 188 yards on nine returns at Tulane in 1946.

Hamilton's kickoff return is listed as a tie for third in school history for the longest play of any kind. There are two plays longer in the record books. Prior to the 1970s, plays could be recorded longer than 100 yards, based on where the ball was fielded in the endzone. In 1968, Richie Luzzi returned a missed field goal against Georgia 108 yards for a score. Two years later, Don Kelley was credited with a 102-yard interception return. Those would both be scored as 100-yard returns by today's standards.

Hamilton Second in Nation Among Freshmen Receivers
Clemson freshman Derrick Hamilton ranks second among all freshmen receivers nationally in receptions per game with 47 in nine games for a 5.22 catches per game figure. He actually leads all freshmen in total receptions, but he trails Kelley Washington of Tennessee on a per game basis. Washington has 46 receptions in eight games, 5.75 per game. Washington is 33rd in the nation, while Hamilton is 44th.

Hamilton is trying to become the first freshman to lead Clemson in receptions since 1991 when Terry Smith had 34-480 yards. Hamilton has broken those previous freshman marks by a wide margin and now has 47 receptions for 570 yards. He ranks third in the ACC in catches per game and is seventh in reception yardage per game.

Hamilton is now looking to challenge the school record for all-purpose running by a freshman. He currently has 898 all-purpose yards to lead the team. Thanks to his 205-yard game at Maryland, he now needs just 228 all-purpose yards to break Terry Allen's freshman record of 1126 set in 1987.

Dantzler Ranked Among Winningest Clemson QBs
Clemson quarterback Woodrow Dantzler could become just the sixth "20-game winner" in Clemson history if the Tigers win their final two regular season games, plus a bowl contest. Dantzler has a 17-10 record as a starting quarterback over the last three years, currently tied for eighth with All-American Bobby Gage, who led the Tigers from 1946-48.

Dantzler would tie Harvey White, an All-ACC performer from 1957-59 if he can lead the Tigers to victory over South Carolina. DeChane Cameron is next on the list with 19. The only 20-game winners in Clemson history are Rodney Williams (32), Nealon Greene (24), Homer Jordan (22), Mike Eppley (21) and Steve Fuller (21).

Dantzler has actually been a starter in 18 Clemson victories the last three years. However, one of his starts (vs. Duke in 1999) was as a wide receiver and he does not get credit as the starting quarterback in that game.

Clemson's career leader in victories for a starting quarterback is Rodney Williams, who started 32 Clemson wins between 1985-88. That is a mark that could stand for a while since someone would have to average eight wins a year as a starter for four seasons just to tie Williams. Williams is tied with Chris Weinke of Florida State for the ACC record. The NCAA leader is Peyton Manning, who started 39 victories at Tennessee.

Clemson's Winningest Starting Quarterbacks Rodney Williams (1985-88) 32-10-2
Nealon Greene (1994-97) 24-16
Homer Jordan (1979-82) 22-6-1
Mike Eppley (1980-84) 21-5-1
Steve Fuller (1975-78) 21-11-3
DeChane Cameron (1988-91) 19-4-1
Harvey White (1957-59) 18-7
Bobby Gage (1946-48) 17-7
Woodrow Dantzler (1998-01) 17-10

Dantzler Named Semifinalist for Davey O'Brien Award Clemson quarterback Woodrow Dantzler is one one of 12 semifinalists for the 2001 Davey O'Brien Award. The Award, which is chosen by national sportswriters and commentators, goes to the best quarterback in college football. The announcement of the 12 semifinalists was made Nov. 7.

Three finalists will be announced Tuesday, Nov. 27 by the National College Football Awards Association. It is the second straight year that Dantzler has been named a semifinalist for the award. The winner will be announced at the Home Depot College Football Awards Show on Thursday, Dec. 6 at 9:00 PM in Orlando, FL. The winner and the two other finalists will be honored at the 25th annual Davey O'Brien Awards Dinner Feb. 18, 2002 in Fort Worth, TX.

Dantzler has been one of the top all-around quarterbacks in college football the last three years. This year he has 768 yards rushing and 1,913 passing. He has completed 161 of 262 passes for 11 touchdowns. He is seventh in the nation in total offense, 47th in rushing and 42nd in passing efficiency.

Dantzler has had at least 300 yards total offense in five of the last seven games, including a school record 517 yards at N.C. State on Oct. 13. He also had six touchdowns in that game, four passing and two rushing, tying the ACC record for touchdown responsibility in a game.

Two weeks ago, Dantzler was named one of 10'"leading candidates" for the Walter Camp Award. That honor is presented to he top player in college football.

Clemson Special Teams Have Been Special, Kopp Punting Improved Clemson is now 28th in the nation in net punting with an average of 37.63 yards per punt. That is third best in the ACC, trailing just Maryland and Georgia Tech. Junior Wynn Kopp is the prime reason for that fine state. The Georgia transfer has a gross average of just 39.7, but he has allowed just 71 punt return yards on his 35 punts this year. Only 11 of his 35 boots have been returned for just 6.45 yards a return.

Six of the nine games he has had a net punting average of 39.7 or better. His 37.6 net punting average is best by a Clemson punter since Chris McInally had a 38.3 net punting average for the 1995 season. All punters are compared to Clemson great Chris Gardocki, who now is in his 11th year in the NFL with the Cleveland Browns. Gardocki's final season at Clemson, 1990, he had 39.3 net punting average for the season.

Clemson has allowed the fewest punt return yards in the ACC this year with 71. Georgia Tech is second with 94 punt return yards allowed.

Clemson Coverage Has Been Sound
Clemson has been outstanding in kick coverage this year. When it comes to punt returns, the Tigers have allowed just 71 punt return yards all year on 35 total punt attempts. Only 11 of the 35 punts have been returned. When it comes to kickoff returns, Clemson is second in the conference behind Florida State in kick coverage, allowing just 20.5 yards a return. The Seminoles are second at 20.39. Clemson has balanced special teams unit. Senior walk-on Tore White leads the team in special teams tackles with eight, while Joel Gardner and Braxton K. Williams have seven apiece. Last Saturday at Maryland Gardner threw a key block on Derrick Hamilton's 100-yard kickoff return for a score, then recovered a fumble on the ensuing kickoff.

Clemson Strong in Return Game
Clemson is also outstanding when it comes to punt and kickoff returns this year. The Tigers rank ninth in the nation in kickoff returns. Brian Mance is 37th with a 24.5-yard average, but teammate Derrick Hamilton has a 34-yard average on nine returns. He needs four more returns this year to qualify for the national stats. He is coming off a 153-yard kickoff return game, fifth best in Clemson history. Hamilton would rank second in the nation if he had enough attempts to qualify. Mance is also 23rd in the nation in punt returns with an 11.86 average.

Dantzler Needs 122 Yards Rushing for 5,000/2,500 Club
Clemson quarterback Woodrow Dantzler needs just 122 yards rushing to become just the third player in college football history to reach 5,000 yards passing and 2,500 yards rushing (regular season games only). Dantzler went over the 5,000 yard passing mark against Florida State last week and now 5,187 in regular season games. He has 2,378 yards rushing for his career and thus needs just 122 to reach the 2,500-yard rushing mark.

The only other quarterbacks in college football history with at least 5,000 yards passing and 2,500 rushing are current Indiana quarterback Antwaan Randle-El and former Louisiana-Lafayette quarterback Brian Mitchell. Randle-El has 6,954 passing and 3,645 rushing for his career at Indiana. Mitchell had 5,447 yards passing and 3,335 yards rushing in his career that spanned 1986-89.

Dantzler now ranks 16th in NCAA history in rushing yards by a quarterback. He needs just 24 yards rushing against South Carolina to move past Bill Deery of William & Mary (1972-74) for 15th on the all-time list. Dantzler is third among active Division I players in quarterback rushing. Randle-El has 3,645, and Nebraska's Eric Crouch has 3,272.

Dantzler Seeking 2,000/1,000 Season
Woodrow Dantzler has gained 767 net yards on the ground for an average of 85.22 yards per game. He is on pace for 937 yards rushing in the regular season. He has 1,913 yards passing, 212.6 yards per game and is on pace for 2,338 yards for the season. No player in NCAA history has had 1,000 yards rushing and 2,000 yards passing in the same season. Dantzler is the only player this year with a shot at the incredible accomplishment.

He had 947 rushing and 1,691 passing last season during the regular season. If he is to achieve the distinction he will have to do it in the regular season as NCAA records do not count bowl games. The closest to achieve the milestone is Brian Mitchell of Lousiana-Lafayette, who had 1,311 rushing and 1,966 passing in 1989.

Young Named National Football Foundation Scholar
Clemson center Kyle Young has been named one of 16 recipients of a postgraduate scholarship as selected by the National Football Foundation and College Football Hall of Fame. The announcement was made Nov. 1 by Chairman of The National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame Jon F. Hanson.

The Clemson graduate and starting center for the Tigers the last three seasons is the first Clemson football player to receive a scholarship from the National Football Foundation since 1978 when Steve Fuller was so honored.

Young is actually just the fifth Clemson football player to receive the honor overall. In addition to Fuller, the others are Jimmy Bell, a quarterback in 1964, Jimmy Addison, a quarterback in 1967, and Ben Anderson, a defensive back in 1972.

Young graduated Summa Cum Laude from Clemson last May and is taking graduate courses this year, his final year of eligibility. He had a 3.98 career GPA and had A's in every course but one over his four undergraduate years. He has been a first-team Academic All-American each of the last two years and hopes to be a three-time selection this year. The Academic All-America team won't be announced until Dec. 3. He is also the President of Clemson's LIFE LINE organization, the football team's leadership group.

On the field, Young has led the Clemson offensive line in knockdown blocks this year with 90. He is a big reason Clemson has averaged over 400 yards per game in total offense and has had a positive effect on the play of Woodrow Dantzler, who ranks fifth in the nation in total offense heading into this weekend's game with Florida State. Young was a second-team All-American on the field last year in addition to his first-team Academic All-America status.

"This is a great honor for Kyle and our football program," said Head Coach Tommy Bowden. "Clemson has meant so much to Kyle and his family and I know this scholarship award is very meaningful to him. Having grown up in Clemson, he has been following or a part of Clemson football all his life. He is a role model for future Clemson football players and all student-athletes who are at Clemson now or will be in the future."

Since 1959, when the first class was selected, 602 scholar-athletes have been awarded this high honor based on superior academic performance, outstanding football ability, strong leadership, and citizenship.

Each scholar-athlete will be awarded an $18,000 postgraduate scholarship and will be honored at the Foundation's 44th Annual Awards Dinner held at the Waldorf-Astoria in New York, NY, Dec. 11, 2001.

Young will be joined at the Awards Dinner in New York by Terry Kinard, the former Clemson All-American who will be inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame on the same night. Clemson is the only school in the nation with a Hall of Fame inductee and a National Football Foundation Scholarship Award winner this year.

National Football Foundation Scholars for 2001
Division I-A Selections Andre Davis-Virginia Tech-WR-Property Management-Niskayuna, NY
Vernon Fox-Fresno State-SS - Sociology-LasVegas, NV
Joaquin Gonzalez-Miami (FL)-OL-Marketing-Miami, FL
Christopher Hope-Florida State-FS-Communications-Rock Hill, SC
Jeff Kelly-Southern Mississippi--QB-Business Administration-Hattiesburg, MS
Patrick Ramsey-Tulane-QB-Accounting & Finance-Simsboro, LA
Tracey Wistrom-Nebraska-TE-Mathematics-Webb City, MO
Kyle Young-Clemson-C-Secondary Education-Clemson, SC

Clemson 3-1 on the Road
Clemson has better stats on the road as oppose to home this year. Clemson is 2-3 at home and 3-1 on the road. The Tigers are 0-3 at home in ACC contests, 3-1 on the road in league play. Clemson has one more home game left, against Duke on Dec. 1. You can see by the chart below that Clemson has been more productive on offense on the road this year. Clemson has averaged 449.5 yards a game on the road and just 376 at home.

Clemson at Record Rate for First Downs
Clemson has been racking up the first downs this year, at a record rate in fact. Clemson has 213 first downs so far this year, an average of 23.7 per game. Clemson had 26 first downs in the 41-27 loss to Florida State. It marked the fifth time this year that Clemson had accumulated at least 25 first downs in a single game. The high was 29 in the win over Wofford and the loss to Virginia. Clemson's offense has been strong this year, among the best in school history if the season ended today. Clemson's 408.7 yards per game would be third best in school history if the season ended today. Here is a list of how this team stacks up on a per game basis with great Clemson offenses of the past.

Mance Picked off Two Passes vs. Seminoles
Starting cornerback Brian Mance had two interceptions in Clemson's loss to Florida State. It marked the second time in the junior's career that he has had two interceptions in the same game. He also did it against Missouri in Death Valley in 2000. Mance actually had a record tying three takeaways in that game.

Mance also had four tackles in the game against the Seminoles. It was his first game in Death Valley since his brother, Kenny, was tragically killed in an auto accident when he fell asleep at the wheel just two miles from his home in the early morning hours of Oct. 14. Mance was back in the lineup at Wake Forest on Oct. 27 and helped the Tigers to victory.

Mance is a valuable member of the Clemson lineup. He has 36 tackles and four passes broken up plus the two interceptions in eight games, all as a starter in the secondary. He also is Clemson's top kick returner.

Mance was not the only Clemson cornerback who has had to deal with tragedy this year. The early morning hours prior to the Wake Forest game of Oct. 27, starting cornerback Kevin Johnson was called home due to a stroke suffered by his father. He died the next day. Johnson missed the Wake Forest game, but returned for the Florida State game on Nov. 3. The junior from Orangeburg, SC contributed six tackles and two passes broken up against the Seminoles.

Clemson Getting Contributions from Freshmen
Clemson has had a lot of rookies contribute to its season on both side of the ball this year. On the defensive side, six first-year freshmen have seen action and two red-shirt freshmen have been major contributors. The first-year freshmen who have seen action are Eric Sampson (LB), LeRoy Hill (LB), Moe Fountain (DE), Travis Pugh (S), Eric Coleman (DT) and Tavaughn Monts (CB). Red-shirt freshmen Ryan Hemby (CB) and Donnell Washington (DT) have also played well. Sampson came off the bench for an injured John Leake at Wake Forest and contributed 14 tackles on six first hits and eight assists in 69 snaps of play. Leake played the first nine plays before suffering a sprained ankle that shelved him for the game. Sampson had played just 54 plays from scrimmage over the first six games and had eight total tackles. He also had two quarterback pressures in the impressive performance. His 14 tackles were the most by a first-year freshman since Anthony Simmons had 19 in a victory at South Carolina in 1995. Freshman Donnell Washington has seven tackles for loss and 32 total tackles to lead all freshmen this year. He had another solid game from the defensive tackle position in the win at Wake Forest. The 320-pounder had four tackles, including a tackle for loss, as he helped stop Wake Forest's strong running game. The Deacs entered the contest sixth in the nation in rushing.

He had just one pressure at Wake Forest, but it was huge. He got to Wake Forest quarterback James MacPherson just as he released the ball, forcing the ball to flutter into the arms of Chad Carson. It put a stop to momentum the Deacs had gained after a Clemson fumble. Clemson had just a seven-point lead at the time.

Offensively, four freshmen receivers have combined for 81 catches for 1,109 yards and five touchdowns. That is already the most catches and receiving yards for a Clemson freshman class in history. Leading the way is Derrick Hamilton, who has 47-570, both all-time Clemson freshman records. Airese Currie, a first-year freshman, has added 14-250, while Roscoe Crosby has 13-215. Crosby has been injured much of the year, but has had nine catches the last three weeks. He caught his first career touchdown pass at Maryland. Tight end Ben Hall has 7-74 and two touchdowns.

Clemson Attendance Near Record Rate
Clemson has averaged 81,486 fans per game for five contests at Death Valley so far this year. If the season ended today, that would be the second-highest average season attendance in Clemson history. The record is 81,750 set during the 1988 season. Clemson still has one home game left against Duke on Dec. 1.

That 1988 season is the only season Clemson has averaged 80,000 fans for a complete season. Clemson must draw 72,571 fans for the Duke game to finish the year with an average of 80,000 or better. Clemson has averaged over 78,000 each of the first two years of the Bowden era.

Clemson to Face Third Straight Top-25 Team
To say Clemson is in the tough part of its schedule is an understatement. Clemson is in the process of facing three straight games against top 25 teams. Florida State was ranked 14th in the nation in both polls heading into its Nov. 3 game at Death Valley. Maryland was 13th in AP and 11th in USA Today heading into the Nov.10 week. South Carolina is 22nd in both polls this week.

We don't have to go back very far to find the last time Clemson played three straight top-25 opponents, but it is a rare occurrence. Clemson played against a fourth-ranked Florida State, 25th-ranked South Carolina and sixth ranked Virginia Tech in consecutive games to end last season. However, that is the only previous time that Clemson has played a ranked team in three straight games. It almost happened in 1966. Clemson played a ninth-ranked Georgia Tech, fourth-ranked Alabama and fifth-ranked Southern Cal during a four-week segment in the 1966 season. What was Coach Frank Howard thinking when he made that schedule?

Clemson has played well against ranked teams over the years. The Tigers already own a win over then ninth-ranked Georgia Tech on the road this year. Clemson has defeated at least one top-25 team all but one season (1995) since 1986.

Carson Records 23 Tackles vs. Wake Forest, Moves to Fifth on Tackle List
Chad Carson had the top tackle game of his career and the third best single game in Clemson history in the victory over Wake Forest on Oct. 27. Carson had 15 first hits and eight assists in helping the Tigers hold down Wake Forest's outstanding rushing defense. The Demon Deacons entered the game averaging 235 yards per game on the ground, sixth best in the nation.

But, Carson and his teammates held Wake Forest to 193 on the day and 344 yards of total offense. It was the second lowest total offensive figure this year for Wake Forest. Carson had a lot to do with the run defense and he also contributed to the pass defense by intercepting a pass, his first career interception in 42 games as a Tiger.

Carson's tackle total was third best in Clemson history. The only higher are the 27 by former teammate Keith Adams against South Carolina in 1999 and by Jeff Davis against North Carolina in 1980. That is pretty good company for Carson as both players were not only All-Americans, but also won ACC Defensive Player of the Year honors. Carson now has 419 tackles for his career, fifth best in school history. He moved ahead of Robert Carswell, Adams and Randy Scott in his big game at Wake Forest. Carson now trails only Bubba Brown, Anthony Simmons, Davis and Ed McDaniel. Simmons and McDaniel are still in the NFL, while Davis played five years with the Tampa Bay Bucs.

Clemson Career Tackle Leaders
1. Bubba Brown, LB 1976-79 (515)
2. Anthony Simmons, LB 1995-97 (486)
3. Jeff Davis, LB 1978-81 (469)
4. Ed McDaniel, LB 1988-91 (489)
5. Chad Carson, LB 1998-01 (419)
6. Randy Scott, LB 1975-78 (382)
7. Keith Adams, LB 1998-00 (379)
8. Robert Carswell, FS 1997-00 (374)
9. Tim Jones, LB 1991-94 (338)
10. Henry Walls, LB 1983-85 (316)

Clemson Single Game Tackle Bests
1. Keith Adams 1999 vs. South Carolina (27)
2. Jeff Davis 1980 vs. North Carolina (24)
3. Chad Carson 2001 vs. Wake Forest (23)
4. Chad Carson 2000 vs. Georgia Tech (22)
Jeff Davis 1980 vs. Maryland (22)
Bubba Brown 1978 vs. Ohio State (22)
Bubba Brown 1979 vs. N.C. State (22)
8. Henry Walls 1985 vs. Georgia Tech (21)
Willie Anderson 1974 vs. South Carolina (21)

Clemson Offense Averages 418 Yards Under Bowden
Clemson has a 20-12 record under Tommy Bowden and a consistent balanced offense has been a big reason. Over the nearly three years he has been the head coach the Tigers have averaged 417.7 yards per game in total offense. Clemson has gained 186 rushing and 232 passing over the 31 games. In an average game under Bowden the Tigers have averaged 30.2 points a game and scored four touchdowns. On average, the Tigers run the ball 45 times and throw it 32 times. Clemson has scored 124 touchdowns in the 31 games, exactly four per game. Eighteen of the 31 games Clemson has had at least 400 yards of total offense.

Hafley Sets Clemson Single Game Record...Again
Clemson graduate defensive back Charles Hafley set a school record for tackles in a game by a defensive back in the Tigers 38-3 loss to North Carolina on Oct. 20 at Death Valley. Hafley was credited with 19 tackles in the contest on 11 first hits and eight assists. He topped that figure just a couple of weeks later with 20 tackles against Maryland. Hafley now ranks second on the Clemson team and is among the ACC leaders in tackles with 102 through nine games, an average of 11.3 per game. The North Carolina game was his fifth double figure tackle game this season and 11th of his career at Maryland. A year ago, Hafley had 106 tackles, most ever by a strong safety and third best in Clemson history for a defensive back. He will obviously shatter that mark and could break former teammate Robert Carswell's record for a DB (129).

Zachery Ranked Third in Career Scoring Record
Clemson running back Travis Zachery is closing in on a number of milestones. The senior all-purpose running back has scored 46 touchdowns in his Clemson career, already a school record. He has 38 rushing and eight receiving and obviously needs four touchdowns to become the first Clemson player to reach 50 touchdowns.

Those touchdowns translate into scoring. He now has 276 points in his Clemson career and needs 26 to break Nelson Welch's career record of 301. Welch was a placekicker for the Tigers from 1991-94. He booted a school record 72 field goals and added 85 extra points for his 301 total.

As you can see by the chart below, Zachery is already third on the Clemson scoring list. He recently passes Chris Gardocki, who had 261 points. Gardocki will be inducted into the Clemson Athletic Hall of Fame on Feb. 1.

Zachery had his streak of 13 consecutive games with at least one touchdown rushing or receiving, snapped when he failed to score against North Carolina. That is the Clemson record for consecutive games with at least one score. He shattered the mark, as the previous best was a streak of nine straight games by Lester Brown, 1978-79. Zachery has 45 regular season touchdowns in his career. Only two ACC players in history have reached 50 touchdowns in regular season play. Five more TDs in the last five regular season games would give Zachery an even 50. The others to do it are Ted Brown, who had 51 for N.C. State between 1975-78, and Leon Johnson, who had 50 at North Carolina between 1993-96.

Zachery Approaching 3,000/1,000 Club
Clemson senior running back Travis Zachery is among the best all-around ball carriers in the nation. That is one reason he was listed among the preseason candidates for the Doak Walker Award. So far this year Zachery has 442 yards rushing and 319 yards receiving, giving him 761 yards from scrimmage. He has had five touchdowns rushing and got his second receiving at N.C. State for seven total touchdowns.

Zachery now has 2,924 yards rushing in his career and 966 receiving. No Clemson player in history has had at least 3,000 yards rushing and 1,000 receiving. It is quite a difficult accomplishment, something only three players in ACC history have accomplished. The others to do it are Leon Johnson, a former running back from North Carolina (1993-96), Warrick Dunn of Florida State (1993-96), and Terry Kirby of Virginia (1989-92). Zachery needs 76 yards rushing and 34 receiving to pull off the 3,000/1,000 double.

Zachery scored three touchdowns at Tech and one more at N.C. State, giving him 46 for his career, already a Clemson record. He has scored 40 touchdowns in his last 32 games. His three scores at Tech gave him eight for his career against the Yellow Jackets, including six at Grant Field in Atlanta. Zachery is from nearby Marietta, GA. Zachery enters the South Carolina game with 2,924 career rushing yards, second best in school history. He moved ahead of Kenny Flowers on the all-time list in the win over N.C. State. Now, only Raymond Priester has more rushing yards than Zachery.

Zachery went over the 4,000-yard mark in all-purpose running in the loss to North Carolina. He now has 4,166 for his career, just the second Clemson runner to reach 4,000 yards. Raymond Priester is the career leader in all-purpose running with 4282.

Dantzler Stats Better on the Road
Clemson quarterback Woodrow Dantzler has been a player who does not let the visiting crowd bother him, in fact it must motivate him because his stats on the opponent's home field are considerably better than they are at home.

Over the last three years, seasons Dantzler has been the starter, or a factor in the Clemson lineup, Dantzler has averaged 297.2 yards of total offense per game in 13 contests on the road and has averaged just 221 yards per game in 16 games played in Death Valley.

Dantzler has averaged a 100-yard rushing, 300-yard total offense game on the road for those 13 games in the opponent's home facility. His passing efficiency is 140.2 on the road and 128.2 in Death Valley. He has averaged 2.15 touchdowns rushing and passing on the road and 1.75 in Death Valley since 1999. Four of Dantzler's top five total offense games have come on the road.

Dantzler Dazzling at N.C. State
Clemson quarterback's performance in the Tigers 45-37 victory in Raleigh is hard to put into words. It was the greatest combination of rushing and passing for a Clemson football player in history and ranks among the best in college football history.

How can we make such a statement? A look to the NCAA record book tells us that only one player in one game has ever had at least 300 yards passing and 200 yards rushing in the same game. Washington's Marques Tuiasosopo had 302 yards passing and 207 rushing against Stanford on Oct. 30,1999, the only player in history to achieve the 300/200 in the same game.

At State, Dantzler passed for 333 and 184 net yards rushing. Had it not been for two sacks in the second quarter, one of 13 yards and another of 11, Dantzler would have joined Tuiasosopo in that exclusive club. As it was, Dantzler's performance was the fifth best in ACC history in terms of total offense, and a Clemson record. The ACC mark is 554 yards of total offense by Rusty LaRue for Wake Forest against N.C. State in 1995. LaRue threw 78 passes in that game.

Dantzler did more than just pick up yardage, he led the Tigers to six touchdowns. He ran for two and passed for four, and the six touchdowns combined broke the Clemson single game record that had stood since 1947. Dantzler tied the Clemson single game record for touchdown passes in a single game, a mark he now co-owns with his backup, Willie Simmons.

It was Dantzler's top passing game as a Tiger, and in many ways the best by any Clemson quarterback. The graduate student from Orangeburg, SC completed 23-27 passes for 333 yards and four touchdowns. His passing efficiency rating of 237.6 was a Clemson record for a minimum of 20 attempts. His stats included a 79-yard pass to freshman Airese Currie, the longest pass play for the Tigers in five years.

Dantzler achieved the 517 yards of total offense one game and two weeks after gaining 418 yards in Clemson's thrilling 47-44 win over a ninth ranked Georgia Tech team in Atlanta. Obviously it is the top total offense figure for consecutive games in Clemson history.

Here is a list of Clemson Records Dantzler Set in the win at N.C. State * Single game passing efficiency (Min 20 attempts)-237.58
* Single game total offense-517 yards (333 passing, 184 rushing)
* Single game touchdown responsibility-6
* Tied single game touchdown passes-4
* Single game completion percentage (min 20 attempts)-.851
* Career total offense-6,874
* Career total offense vs. same team-1,127 vs. N.C. State

Dantzler Now Owns 31 Clemson Records
Clemson quarterback Woodrow Dantzler became the first quarterback in ACC history to pass for 4000 yards and rush for 2000 when he had his 517 yard total offense game at N.C. State.

Including bowl games, Dantzler has 2467 rushing and 5372 passing in his four-year career. So far this season, Dantzler has 767 yards rushing and 1913 passing for 2680 total, an average of 297 yards per game in total offense. He needs just 220 yards of total offense at South Carolina to break his own single season mark. He already has the single game and career mark.

The graduate student has connected on 61.5 percent of his passes this year, a record pace, and is now at 57.9 percent for his career, also best in school history.

Dantzler on Clemson career Records Lists * 1st, quarterback rushing (2,467) has record
* 1st, completion percentage (.577) has record
* 1st in touchdown responsibility (57) has record
* 1st in total offense (7,839) has record
* 1st in total plays (1,261) has record
* 2nd in passing efficiency (129.3) 131.30 rating points
* 2nd in completions (418) 41 completions
* 2nd in passing yards (5,372) 350 yards
* 3rd in touchdown passes (31) 5 TD passes

Clemson Records Held by Dantzler (31)
Single Game (8)
* Touchdown Responsibility-6 vs. N.C. State, 2001
* Total Offense-517 vs. N.C. State, 2001
* Completion % (Min 20 attempts)-.851 vs. N.C. State, 2001
* Completion % (Min 15 attempts)-.941 vs. The Citadel 2000
* Yards rushing by a quarterback-220 vs. Virginia, 2000
* Passing Efficiency (Min 15 attempts)-247.2 vs. The Citadel, 2000
* Passing Efficiency (Min 20 attempts)-237.6 vs. N.C. State, 2001
* Touchdown Passes-#4 vs. N.C. State, 2001

Season (13)
* Total offense-2,899, (2000)
* Quarterback rushing-1,028, (2000)
* 100-yard rushing games by a quarterback-4 (2000)
* Touchdowns rushing and passing-24 (2000)
* 200-yard total offense games-9 (2000)
* 300-yard total offense games-5 (2001)
* Consecutive 200-yard total offense games-7 (2000)
* Consecutive games throwing a TD pass-6 (2000)
* 100-yard rushing, 300-yard total offense games-4 (2000)
* Most yards rushing in series of 3 games-520 (2000)
* Most yards rushing in series of 4 games-623 (2000)
* Most total offense/game in season-241.6 (2000)
* Most total offense plays in season-434 (2000)

Career (10)
* Completion percentage in career-.577
* Total offense-7,839
* Yards rushing by a quarterback in a career-2,467
* 100-yard rushing games by a quarterback-9
* Most total offense/game in career-217.8
* Most 300-yard total offense games in career-11
* Most 100-yard rushing, 300-yard total offense games in a career-9
* Most touchdowns rushing and passing in a career-57
* Most total offense plays in a career (1,261)
* #Most 200-yard passing games (10)
#tied record

Dantzler Named National Player of the Week
Clemson quarterback Woodrow Dantzler was named National Player of the Week by USAToday.com for his performance against Georgia Tech.

Dantzler gained 418 yards of total offense in Clemson's 47-44 victory at Atlanta, 164 rushing and 254 passing. He ran for two scores and threw for two. His 11-yard touchdown run on a quarterback draw on the last play of overtime gave the Tigers the victory.

Dantzler trumped that accomplishment with a 517-yard effort against N.C. State. He was named National player of the week by ESPN.com. He was also named the top player in the country for the first half of the season by CBS.Sportline.com and ESPN.com.

Dantzler's performance against Georgia Tech marked the first time a Clemson player had won the National Player of the Week from USA Today.com. Dantzler was also the ACC Player of the Week according to the site, the third time in three years he has won that honor. He won it again for the N.C. State game, giving him four player of the week selections. He was the ACC Player of the Week according to the site in 1999 for his 435-yard performance against Maryland, and in 2000 when he led the Tigers to a 62-9 win over Missouri.

Dantzler was named National Player of the Week in 2000 by CNNSI.com for his performance at Virginia. He had 220 yards rushing, an all-time ACC record for a quarterback, and 154 passing in Clemson's 31-10 win over the Cavs.

Dantzler is the first Tiger in history to be named a National Player of the Week three times. A Clemson player has been named National Player of the week 10 times in history, including Dantzler's performance last week. Here is a listing:

Clemson Gained 500 Yards In Consecutive Road Wins
Clemson had at least 500 yards in consecutive road wins over Georgia Tech and N.C. State. A 500-yard total offense game is certainly an accomplishment anywhere, but especially on the road. Clemson gained 502 yards at Georgia Tech and 567 at N.C. State in gaining consecutive victories. It marks the first time in Clemson history that the Tigers have had at least 500 yards in consecutive road games. The 567 yards gained at N.C. State were the most recorded on the road since 1903 when John Heisman coached Clemson to a 73-0 victory with 615 yards, all on the ground.

Clemson had one of its top offensive games in the Tommy Bowden era in the 47-44 win over Georgia Tech on Sept. 29. The Tigers gained 502 yards of total offense, third highest figure under Bowden and second best in an ACC game.

It marked just the second time in Clemson history that the Tigers had at least 500 yards of total offense against a top 25 team. The only other occasion came in 1983 when Clemson had 544 yards against an 11th-ranked Maryland team in a 52-27 Clemson victory.

It was a balanced attack for the Tigers, perhaps the most balanced in Clemson history for a 500-yard performance. Clemson had 248 rushing and 254 passing in the contest. It marked just the fourth game in Clemson history that Clemson had at least 240 yards rushing and passing in the same game.

Clemson has now had four 500-yard total offense games under Tommy Bowden. Clemson is now 40-0-1 in its history when gaining at least 500 yards of total offense. The only non-victory came in 1991 when Clemson gained 511 yards in a 20-20 tie with Virginia.

Bush Leads Defensive Line
Senior defensive tackle Jovon Bush had his most productive day as a Tiger in the win at N.C. State. The native of Hardeeville, SC is in his senior year, but it is his first year as a starter. He has made the most of it and that included the game in Raleigh. Bush had eight tackles in the game, most by a Clemson down lineman this year. His total included two tackles for loss and four quarterback pressures. He ranked third on the Clemson defense in tackles for the day in his 62 plays on defense.

Bush now has 48 tackles for the season, more than any other defensive tackle. He also has 12 quarterback pressures in his 513 snaps on the field. Bush had 20 tackles as a reserve each of the last two years, meaning he has taken just five games to exceed his previous high tackle total for a season.

Offensive Line Playing Well
One of the reasons for Clemson's success against Georgia Tech and N.C. State was the play of its offensive line. The veteran group includes three players who are graduates (Will Merritt, Kyle Young and T.J. Watkins) and two red-shirt juniors (Gary Byrd and Akil Smith). They combined to help the Tigers gain 502 yards of total offense and scored seven touchdowns and 47 points in the victory. It was the most points Clemson has scored against Georgia Tech since a 73-0 Tiger victory in 1903. John Heisman was Clemson's coach in that game.

The starting offensive line combined for 68 knockdown blocks in the game, high total for the season. In fact, the total against Georgia Tech was 20 more than the previous best of 48 knockdowns for the starting offensive line against Central Florida.

Four different starters had double figures in knockdown blocks in the game. T.J. Watkins led the way with 19, while Akil Smith had 17, more ever for a Clemson tackle. Center Kyle Young had 14 and Gary Byrd added 11. Smith was named ACC Offensive Lineman of the Week for the first time in his career. Will Merritt was the only Tiger who failed to reach double figures, but he had seven.

Clemson's starting offensive line came back to get 58 knockdown blocks in the win at N.C. State. Kyle Young led the way with 19, while Will Merritt added 13 and Gary Byrd had 11.

Heading into the Maryland game Kyle Young led the team in knockdown blocks with 108, near his record of 120 set last year. T.J. Watkins was second with 92, while Merritt was 75. Gary Byrd had picked up 72, while Akil Smith hds 60. Smith led the team in intimidation blocks with 16.

Clemson's Highest Ranked Wins
The win for over ninth-ranked Georgia Tech was the highest ranked Clemson win regardless of site since 1981 when Clemson defeated fourth-ranked Nebraska in the Orange Bowl, a 22-15 victory that gave Clemson the National Championship.

Regardless of site, Clemson now has nine wins over top 10 teams in its history, three in Death Valley. Clemson has now had 21 wins over top 25 teams since 1986 and has had at least one ranked win in 14 of the last 15 seasons (including this season). The Tigers defeated Virginia, 33-14, in 1999 when the Cavs were ranked 19th (USA Today), then downed a 25th ranked South Carolina team last year.

The win over Tech now assures that Tommy Bowden will have at least one ranked win in each of his first three years with the Tigers. The win over Tech was the fifth highest ranked win in school history.

Clemson's Top 10 Victories Year Opponent Site Rk Score 1981 Georgia Clemson, SC 4 13-3 1981 Nebraska Miami, FL 4 22-15 1959 Texas Christian Houston, TX 7 23-7 1981 North Carolina Chapel Hill, NC 8 10-8 2001 Georgia Tech Atlanta, GA 9 47-44 1967 N.C. State Clemson, SC 10 14-6 1983 North Carolina Clemson, SC 10 16-3 1988 Oklahoma Orlando, FL 10 13-6 1992 Virginia Charlottesville, VA 10 29-28 Tigers Win in Overtime at Tech Clemson defeated Georgia Tech 47-44 in overtime on Sept. 29, just the second time in history that Clemson has participated in an overtime game. Clemson is now 2-0 since the rule came into effect for the 1996 season. Clemson's only other overtime game was a 29-20 victory over Duke in 1997. Clemson won by the odd margin when Rahim Abdullah returned an interception 63 yards for a score to end the game. The Tigers had scored three points on their offensive possession when David Richardson kicked a field goal. Including the two overtime games, Clemson has now won four games in its history on the last play of the game. In addition to the Duke game listed above and Dantzler's touchdown run to beat Tech, David Treadwell twice booted field goals on the last play of the game to give Clemson a victory. In 1985 he booted a 36-yard field goal on the last play to give Clemson a 20-17 win at Virginia Tech. Then, the following year he kicked a 46-yard field on the final play to give Clemson a 31-28 victory at Georgia. Not included in the list are the heroics turned in by lineman Bob Patton in 1950. A top 20 Wake Forest scored a touchdown with five seconds left to come within 13-12 of the Tigers at Winston-Salem. The two-point conversion rule was not in college football at the time, so Wake Forest attempted to kick the extra point and tie the game. Patton broke through the Wake Forest line and blocked the attempt, giving Clemson the victory. The clock ran out on the ensuing kickoff. Clemson Victories on the last Play of the Game Year Opponent Score Clinching Play 1985 Virginia Tech 20-17 Treadwell 36-yard field goal 1986 Georgia 31-28 Treadwell 46-yard field goal 1997 Duke 29-20 (OT) Abdullah 63-yard interception return 2001 Georgia Tech 47-44 (OT) Dantzler 11-yard run Clemson vs. Duke moved to Dec. 1 The Clemson vs. Duke football game, originally scheduled for Sept. 15 at Clemson, will be played Dec. 1 at Clemson Memorial Stadium. The contest was postponed due to the terrorist attacks on New York and Washington last Tuesday. The game will kickoff at 1:00 PM. This will be the latest Clemson has played a regular season game since 1956 when the Tigers defeated Furman at Death Valley, 28-7 on Dec. 1. It will be just the sixth regular season game in the month of December in Clemson football history. The latest Clemson has had a regular season game is Dec. 8, a 1928 loss to The Citadel in Charleston. The change in schedule means that Duke and Clemson will meet in the major sports of football and men's basketball on consecutive days. The two schools will meet in men's basketball at Cameron Indoor Stadium on Dec. 2. That will be the earliest conference basketball game for the Tigers since 1966. Clemson played at North Carolina to open the 1966-67 season on Dec. 1. Clemson to Play 92-day Regular season As a result of the terrorist attacks on the East Coast on Sept. 11, and the subsequent schedule change, Clemson's 2001 regular season will stretch 92 days, longest in school history. The Clemson vs. Duke game originally scheduled for Sept. 15 was moved to Dec. 1, two weeks after the original season finale at South Carolina on Nov. 17. The previous longest season in Clemson history was 87 days, set in 1991 when Clemson began the season on Sept. 7, then concluded the regular season on Nov. 30 in Tokyo. That season also finished with a game against Duke. Clemson had 85-day regular seasons in 1984 and 1996. Fifteen consecutive Clemson seasons have lasted at least 78 days dating to the 1986 season that lasted 71 days. The shortest 11-game regular season took place in 1977 and 1980 when the season spanned 70 days. Six other 11-game seasons went across 71 days. Longest Regular Seasons in Clemson History 2001 Sept. 1 - Dec. 1 (92) 1991 Sept. 7 - Nov. 30 (87) 1984 Sept. 1 - Nov. 24 (85) 1996 Aug. 31 - Nov. 23 (85) 1993 Sept. 4 - Nov. 20 (84) 1982 Sept. 6 - Nov. 27 (83) Clemson 36-0-1 With 200 Yards Passing and Rushing Clemson is now 10-0 under Tommy Bowden when gaining at least 200 yards or each in the same game. The Tigers are now 36-0-1 in history when gaining at least 200 of each. Clemson first turned the trick against Wake Forest in 1953. Clemson has had three games this year in which it has had at least 200 or each in the same game, including each of the last two. The program had just 28 such games in the first 103 years of Clemson football prior to Bowden's arrival and now has had 10 in the 29 games he has been head coach of the Tigers. The streak was nearly snapped at Georgia Tech in 1999. Clemson had 231 yards rushing and 197 passing in the loss at Georgia Tech. The only tie game in which Clemson had at least 200 of each took place in 1976 when Clemson had 248 rushing and 234 passing in a 24-24 tie in Atlanta against Tech. Changes from the Press Guide There have been some changes, as far as personnel is concerned, since the 2001 Clemson media guide was published in July. Three players on the press guide roster are no longer on the team. Freshman Micheaux Hollingsworth has decided to attend a junior college. Freshman Grant Oliver decided to leave Clemson a week into practice and has left school. David Ellis, a two-year letterman at defensive end, decided to leave the team a week into practice. Five players have changed positions since the beginning of practice. Braxton K. Williams has moved from star safety to strongside linebacker. Tyrone Lee, a letterman as a reserve tight end last year, has moved to fullback. Eric Sampson, who came to Clemson as a linebacker this year, is now the backup star safety. Brian Carr has moved from quarterback to free safety and freshman Eric Coleman has moved from tight end to offensive tackle. Seven players have changed uniform numbers: New # Player Old # 14 Tony Elliott, WR 38 49 Britt Sheman, FB 44 44 Tyrone Lee, FB 87 76 Eric Coleman, OT 89 55 Anthony Williams, LB 57 93 Tif Miller, P 13 99 Maurice Fountain, DE 93 Seven Graduate Students Start for Tigers Clemson has seven graduate students slated to hold starting positions for Saturday's game at South Carolina. That is an all-time record for graduate students on the Clemson football team. The list is led by Heisman Trophy candidate Woodrow Dantzler, who received his degree in marketing from Clemson in August. Dantzler hugged Clemson President Jim Barker when he was presented his diploma on the stage at Littlejohn Coliseum. Starting defensive back Charles Hafley and starting defensive tackle Nick Eason both earned their degrees in sociology that same day. Eason's graduation was especially impressive because he still has two years of eligibility. He earned the degree in three years and three summer sessions and plans to earn a masters before his eligibility is up. He is the first Clemson football player to earn an undergraduate degree with two years of eligibility remaining. Four other Clemson players received their degrees prior to this past August, and all four of them are starters on offense. Kyle Young, starting center, and T.J. Watkins, starting guard, earned their degrees in May. Young graduated Summa Cum Laude and is a two-time first-team Academic All-American. Wide receiver Matt Bailey also received his degree that day. Starting offensive guard Will Merritt received his degree in December of 2000, just a few days prior to the Gator Bowl. Clemson's Eason Named to AFCA Goodworks Team Clemson defensive tackle Nick Eason was named to the 2001 American Football Coaches Association Good Works team on Wednesday. The AFCA recognizes 11 Division I players every year for their community service involvement. Eason was the only ACC player named to the team. Eason has been active in community service since he first came to Clemson in 1998. Each year the ACC honors six student-athletes at each of its member institutions for their time spent on community service projects. Eason is the only Clemson student-athlete to be chosen for this award three times. Eason, a graduate student from Lyons, GA, has traveled abroad with the Athletes in Action to speak with students about the positives of athletics and to teach youngsters about sports. He also is a frequent visitor to elementary schools in he area. Clemson's defensive MVP last year earned his degree from Clemson in August and still has two years of eligibility remaining (including he 2001 season). He is the first Tiger gridder to earn his degree (sociology) with two years of eligibility remaining. Eason is the second Clemson football player to be named to the Good Works team. Robert Carswell, now with the San Diego Chargers, was named to the team in 1999. Tigers Only Division I Team With Two Academic All-Americans Clemson is the only school in the nation with two returning first-team Academic All-Americans on its roster. Linebacker Chad Carson and center Kyle Young were both named first-team Academic All-Americans in 2000. That was the first time in Clemson history the Tigers had two first-team selections in the same year. Carson is a senior with a 3.94 career GPA in biological sciences. He led the Tigers in tackles last year and ranked fourth in the nation. Young led the Tigers in knockdown blocks last year with 120. He graduated from Clemson with a 3.98 career GPA last year and is now taking postgraduate courses. He was also a first-team Academic All-American in 1999 and is trying to become just the second ACC player in history to be a three time first-team selection. Mike Diminick, who played for Duke in the 1980s, is the only other ACC player to be a three-time first-team selection. Young Looks for Landmark Accomplishment Clemson center Kyle Young has been named a first-team Academic All-American each of the last two years. If he is chosen for a third time at the end of the 2001 season he will become just the second offensive lineman in college football history to be chosen a first-team Academic All-American in three different seasons. He would also become just the second ACC player in history to be chosen three times. The College Sports Information Directors of America have chosen the academic All-America team every year since 1952, so the 2001 team will be the 50th team selected. Players chosen to the team must have at least a 3.20 cumulative GPA. Young had a 3.98 career GPA and graduated in May, Summa Cum Laude. Young will try to join former Colorado offensive lineman Jim Hansen as the only three-time first-team selections. Hansen was named in 1990, 1991 and 1992. The only other ACC player to be a three-time first-team selection, regardless of position, is Mike Diminick, a defensive back from Duke, who was named first team in 1986, 1987 and 1988. Overall, 12 different football players have been named first-team academic All-American three times. Clemson's Kyle Young will attempt to join that group in 2001. Three-Time First-Team Academic All-Americans Name Pos. School Years Jon Abbott LB Arizona 1975-77 Ron Duncan TE Ball State 1985-87 Jim Hansen OL Colorado 1990-92 Mike Diminick DB Duke 1986-88 Dan Gregus DL Illinois 1980-82 David Patterson WR New Mexico State 1996-98 Joe Heap B Notre Dame 1952-54 John Bergren DL Stanford 1981-83 Scott Henderson LB Texas 1968-70 Kip Corrington DB Texas A&M 1985-87 Jason Hanson PK Washington St. 1989-91 Don Davey DL Wisconsin 1987-90 20 Tigers on NFL Rosters Twenty former Clemson football players, including four from last year's 9-3 team that finished 14th in the final poll were named to NFL teams earlier this month. The list also included former Tiger lineman Corey Hulsey, who had not played since the 1998 season with the Tigers. Hulsey made the Buffalo Bills roster as a guard. Rod Gardner (WR, Washington Redskins), Robert Carswell (FS, San Diego Chargers) and Darrel Crutchfield (DB, Philadelphia Eagles) were members of Clemson's 2000 team that stuck with NFL teams as rookies. Terry Witherspoon was named to the San Diego Chargers practice squad. Gardner was a first-round pick and was a lock to make the Redskins. In fact, he is slated to start their season opener. Carswell was a seventh-round pick, while Crutchfield was a free agent. Five of the 20 players on the list are in at least their 10th year in the NFL. That list includes Chris Gardocki, in his 11th year in the league as a punter. He will play for the Cleveland Browns this year. Terry Allen is a running back with the World Champion Baltimore Ravens, while Levon Kirkland, Ed McDaniel and Chester McGlockton are all former Tigers in their 10th year in the NFL. The Seattle Seahawks will start two former Tiger linebackers in Anthony Simmons and Kirkland, while the Denver Broncos will start two former Tigers at defensive tackle in former All-Pros McGlockton and Trevor Pryce. The Seahawks, Broncos, Ravens, Chargers and Eagles all have two former Tigers apiece. Former Clemson Players on NFL Rosters Name Pos Hgt Wgt CU Yrs NFL Exp NFL Team Terry Allen RB 5-11 205 87-89 10 Baltimore Ravens Lorenzo Bromell DE 6-6 275 96-97 4th Miami Dolphins $Brentson Buckner DE 6-2 305 90-93 8th Carolina Panthers Robert Carswell DB 5-11 215 97-00 R San Diego Chargers Darrel Crutchfield DB 6-0 177 97-00 R Philadelphia Eagles $Brian Dawkins DB 5-11 200 92-95 6th Philadelphia Eagles Adrian Dingle DE 6-3 272 95-98 3rd San Diego Chargers Antwan Edwards DB 6-1 205 95-98 3rd Green Bay Packers $Rod Gardner WR 6-3 218 97-00 R Washington Redskins Chris Gardocki P 6-1 200 88-90 11th Cleveland Browns $Lamont Hall TE 6-4 260 94-97 3rd New Orleans Corey Hulsey OG 6-6 338 96-98 R Buffalo Bills Levon Kirkland LB 6-1 270 88-91 10th Seattle Seahawks $Dexter McCleon DB 5-10 195 93-96 5th St. Louis Rams $Ed McDaniel LB 5-11 230 88-91 10th Minnesota Vikings Chester McGlockton DT 6-4 329 89-91 10th Denver Broncos Trevor Pryce DT 6-5 295 1996 5th Denver Broncos Anthony Simmons LB 6-0 230 95-97 4th Seattle Seahawks James Trapp DB 6-2 190 89-92 9th Baltimore Ravens #$Terry Witherspoon FB 6-1 250 97-00 R Dallas Cowboys # - Practice Squad, $ - Denotes earned degree from Clemson. Anthony Simmons was back in school over the summer.

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