Friday July 28, 2006

Friday Mail Bag

Please forgive me for being a couple of days late with Friday’s blog. I was on vacation last week and did Monday thru Thursday but my e-mail account was acting up and I could not transfer your e-mails to the blog. At any rate as you know Friday’s we publish your comments and answer your questions.

Hey Mickey,
Any chance that that Temple game will get picked up by some network? I know it probably won’t be ESPN, but do you think there’s any chance that ESPN2, ESPNU, or FoxSports, or even CSTV might pick it up? Š
John Dallas, TX

John,
I doubt it will be. I think the promoters are counting on ticket sales and I am not sure any network could clear its schedule.

I have enjoyed the blog over the past few weeks, and love getting the perspective of an expert (at least compared to the rest of us). I was disappointed to see Travian Robertson go to USC, but happy to see us get a commitment from Gilchrist. Who knows? Maybe Robertson will change his mind again, as it would not be the first time a USC commitment saw the light! I have several questions: first, do you think we are a favorite for Markish Jones now that we have offered? Have you seen him play, and if so, what were your thoughts? Second, how are our chances with Chris Little. Third, could you see our staff moving Demerick Chancelor to wide receiver at some point, since JD, Merriweather, and CJ Spiller will most likely be the go-to guys at RB? It seems his size and speed make him too valuable to sit on the bench. Thank you for the blog. Seems as though life these days is eat sleep, work, and read your blog! Hugh

Hugh,
Thanks for the e-mail. I think Jones will come down to Clemson and FSU but I think Clemson will win in the end because David Blackwell will out work FSU. I have not seen him play but I understand he is a speedster. Chris Little will come down to Clemson, UGA and FSU. I think Chancellor will see action as a RB and maybe WR this year. I agree with you in that he is multi-talented and too good of an athlete to sit on the bench for too long.

Mickey:
OL questions:
1. Will Clemson’s line really be that good this year?
I hear people talk about how many are returning and not so much about how good they were last year. Was their 2005 run production [4.08 yd/carry was #45] and pass protection [1.92 Sacks Allowed per game was #43] that great?

3. Will Richardson leave early?
I think they will be very good but I am playing Gamecock’s (aka Devil’s) Advocate.
Thanks,
Jay

Jay,
I think this offensive line is deep and talented. This is the best OL the Tigers have had in recent years. If Barry Richardson comes back I think he and Lambert would be the tackles, Pilgrim and Austin at guard and Humphries at center. But there will be competition for those spots between now and 2007.

Mickey,
I wish someone would just be perfectly honest and to the point w/ me ;-)
Little question about Greenwood's Xavier Dye....Ok,ok,I realize its early &
his senior season hasn't even begun, but I find it weird how it seems no one else is trying to get in on him; Therefore, the one scholarship offer(Clemson) Mic, have you seen this kid play.....is he all that? I was hoping to sign one top notch WR in the 07 class, what about Va Beach's Jay Smith, or Greg Little......can we get into the picture with JR Hemmingway.
WP

WP,

I have seen Dye and he is a terrific wide receiver. When someone commits that early then they do not get as many offers. Believe me when I say that Dabo likes him also. They have had him in camp and like his skills. Clemson will sign one more big-time WR this class. Trust me.

Mickey,

Pat

Pat,

They have offered Traylor and would take his commitment. Matthews is still looking at Clemson but UGA is his leader. Dunlap has not talked a lot about recruiting. He does not get into it too much as he has been working on his academics. They will take two more Des but I think Moore could end up at DT.

Mickey,

Thanks
Candice

Candice,

GT has only 29,000 season tickets. Clemson will sell twice that amount. Because of the size of the stadium, Clemson can sell more tickets. They are not sellouts yet but most games will be if this team plays as well as I think they can play. The USC game is probably already sold out.

How many of the 11 recruits that we already have you do you think might end up going elsewhere? I know that it doesn’t happen all that often, but with 17-year-old kids and another 7 months plus until signing day I can’t help but wonder, especially with the kid from Columbia, Gray, reopening talks with Notre Dame.
Chris in Charlotte

Chris,
I think many kids open their recruiting back up but in the end very few change their mind. These kids like taking other visits but in the end they usually go with their hearts.

What’s up Mickey?

Wallace

Wallace,

I think the staff has prepared preliminary game plans for the first three games. They are loose plans that will gets tweaked as the season gets going. But the staff has watched every tape they have on the first three opponents and are very aware of their personnel.

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