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Ask Paul Strelow about the Tigers

Paul Strelow

Paul Strelow has been immersed in state sports since 2000, having covered USC, recruiting, high school football and Carolina Panthers training camp as a writer for the Spartanburg Herald-Journal. He has won numerous state awards for enterprise writing, features and game stories. Reach Strelow at pstrelow@thestate.com.

Most Recently Answered Questions

Questions 36 - 55 of 173 (Page 3 of 9)

Submitted by Bill from Wake Forest, NC

Q: Hey Paul...looks like Clemson has the solid defense to potentially do the job this year. Do you agree? With that said, it appears Cullen Harper has put in the work off season to be a potential one year star...thoughts!? One more...will Clemson stay with gap blocking scheme or mix it up and have the confidence to have a more of a balanced running and passing game. It looks like they have all of the pieces to be very successful, but your thoughts on putting it all together. They don't seem to be getting the credit for their potential. I guess we'll know after the season. It just seems they are being labeled with the underdog role this year and hopefully that will provide some good motivation they will need this year to take it to the next level. Thanks in advance for your prespective.

Answered 08/24/07 14:29:12 by Paul Strelow

A: 1. Clemson's defense has the makings to be pretty good. They've got a ways to go to be great, but I really like their D-line across the board. While they've upgraded the talent in the secondary, that remains their question mark. The corners still make too many mistakes. 2. Star might be pushing it for Harper, especially in Spence's system. But on the other hand, all indications are he is an upgrade from his predecessor. 3. Clemson will stay with the blocking scheme, but they do have power, man-blocking runs they incorporate as well. It's not all or nothing in that regard. They tried for balance last year, but the passing game was so woeful they couldn't achieve it. 4. Do they have almost all the pieces to be successful? Yes. But because of their schedule and where they have question marks -- the OL and secondary will have their good days and bad -- this team could easily be better than last year's but finish with a worse record. I think people are leery of giving them credit for their potential when Clemson has come into previous years with similar assets and always had the 1-2 damaging losses they shouldn't have.

Submitted by tigerjim from Aiken, SC

Q: Did you read the nice article in the Charlotte Observer on kicker Buchholz? Some coverage coming from you like this on Clemson players would be nice.

Answered 08/24/07 14:23:02 by Paul Strelow

A: Do you even read our site/paper? I've already done two Buchholz pieces. Did you read the Rashaad Jackson story Aug. 16?

Submitted by Toby from Advance .N.C

Q: Paul.Pardon my [if] question but[if] Coach Bowden gose 7 and 6.Loses to the Shamcocks.Which Coach would you hire to replace one of SI,s 5 worst coachs?

Answered 08/01/07 20:21:59 by Paul Strelow

A: Well, I wouldn't fire him in the first place because of what is set up for 2008. If they struggled in '08 as well, then pull the plug. But if I had to make a hire after this season, I would want one of two candidates, in this order: 1) a high-profile coach w/ instant credibility, or 2) an up-and-comer who will get fancy with the assorted offensive weapons left at his disposal. I'm not high on the trend of grabbing the retreads who do OK everywhere they go; Bowden is, at the minimum, that. For the first group, I doubt Clemson has the cash or cache to land Bill Cowher, who'll head to the NFL's Giants or Redskins instead. Jack Del Rio wouldn't be a bad option. To be honest, I don't like the fit of the other names who'll likely spring up as candidates next offseason: Texas OC Greg Davis, Ball State coach Brady Hoke. USC first-year coordinator Steve Sarkisian might intrigue me b/c of his BYU offensive background. Long answer shorter, there isn't THAT guy ... at least yet.

Submitted by Anonymous from ANNAPOLIS, MARYLAND

Q: LAWSON HOLLAND, FORMER CLEMSON QB AND FORMER CLEMSON COACH, AS WELL AS AN ASSISTANT TO SPURRIER AT THE NFL REDSKINS........WHERE IS HE NOW ?

Answered 07/16/07 16:51:24 by Paul Strelow

A: He is believed to work in communications technologies in Greenville, S.C.

Submitted by Steve from Pickens

Q: What is the current prospect for formemer Clemson signee and Newberry All-American Tymere Zimmerman? I know he was projected to be drafted as high as the 4th round but it did not happen. Is there still interest in him or is Canada or Europe a possibility?

Answered 07/16/07 16:48:43 by Paul Strelow

A: As of last week, Ty was still just working out in Columbia.

Submitted by Anonymous from No location specified

Q: When I click on Clemson / ACC, the link shows me USC news. I am insulted!!

Answered 07/13/07 19:42:22 by Paul Strelow

A: Are you a kicker? Develop thicker skin.

Submitted by Trey from Irmo, SC

Q: Paul keep up the great work in covering our beat. Had a few questions for you.. If you had to give your prediction on wins for the season how many games do we win this year? Who do you definitely see playing as true freshmen in this year's class? I know Willy Korn is obvoius but I was wondering who else? Do you think Clemson's recruiting class was ranked right by the big services and do you ever get a chance to go to the recruiting sites Tigerillustrated.com, Tigernet and Cutigers.com? Which one do you think does the best job? One last question. Do we have a top 25 season in basketball this coming season in your opinion? Many thanks.

Answered 07/13/07 19:41:38 by Paul Strelow

A: Trey, thanks for the compliment. 1. Right now I'd predict 9 regular-season wins. 2. Other true frosh who will play -- I'd predict S DeAndre McDaniel, CB Marcus Gilchrist and TE Brian Linthicum (out of need) have the biggest roles, with spot duty for WR Xavier Dye, DT Miguel Chavis and S/LB Scotty Cooper. Borderline redshirts: DE Kourtnei Brown, LB Stanley Hunter, DT Jarvis Jenkins 3. I have friends who work for both Rivals and Scout, so I'm going to defer on offering an opinion on which is the best. I'll leave it at each has its strengths and weaknesses, it just depends on what you're looking for out of the site -- recruiting news, team news, analysis, etc. 4. I think the makings are definitely there for a back-end-of-the top 25 hoops squad. Despite all they have returning, I have a hard time putting them in ACC title contender status because that's an awful large leap from finishing 8th/9th. But everything is built for them to make the NCAAs this year. They've got a superb senior leader in Hammonds, increased bench depth w/ some scoring punch and all the surrounding pieces to break in a frosh PG. Plus so many teams ahead of them -- namely Ga. Tech, Maryland and Va. Tech -- lost so much.

Submitted by Anonymous from No location specified

Q: What was the reason behind the dismissal of the Clemson Womens Rowing coach?

Answered 07/13/07 17:59:30 by Paul Strelow

A: Clemson declines to give one publicly.

Submitted by supersoph from Duncan s.c.

Q: I read your article about the three Clemson players not yet enrolled. I am interested in how Stanley Hunter could attend Riverside school, yet he was a student at Byrnes.

Answered 07/13/07 17:58:18 by Paul Strelow

A: Don't know the exact circumstances, but it isn't uncommon for kids to take courses at other schools, namely because their school isn't offering that course in the summer session.

Submitted by Ryan from Columbus, OH

Q: Just a few quick questions. First, how is Byron Maxwell looking? I know he was highly touted, but had an injury last year. Last I had heard was that he looked good in the spring. I know Rickey Sapp played some good snaps last year. Wondered if he is improving and what can you tell us about Jamie Cumbie? He was higher rated than Sapp, but never saw action last year did he? Lastly, does Rendrick Taylor look ready to take that next step toward being an impact player? I think he could be a very vital part of the offense if he can stay healty. Thanks!

Answered 07/02/07 17:06:56 by Paul Strelow

A: Athletically, Maxwell looks fine and appears to have fully recovered from his torn ACL. He makes big plays but will do so at the expense of the safer play. Like Crezdon Butler and DeAndre McDaniel, he's still got to find the fine line between aggression and unneccessary risk; they still get burnt too frequently as a result. Sapp has all the skills and personality to be a team leader, but he's going to have to show more discipline in his life to develop coaches' trust. Cumbie is coming along -- a year in the weight room was needed to redefine his body. Those two are different players, so it would not be fair to match them against one another. Sapp is explosive and counted on to get to the quarterback. Cumbie, conversely, is a strongside end counted on to hold his spot and contain the run, and he's not a dynamic athlete. Therefore I doubt Cumbie will ever match the hype of his recruiting ranking. To begin with, Rendrick needs to stay healthy to make a difference. Rendrick can make an impact, but I don't know we'll ever label him an impact player. This offense is built around a great tailback, an efficient QB and keeping Ds off balance. Spence's offense is theoretically designed to quickly and safely put the ball in the hands of those who can make something happen (thus the reliance on the screen passes), so there are only so many touches available after James Davis, C.J. Spiller and Jacoby Ford net their share.

Submitted by Billy T from New Bern, North Carolina

Q: Just wondering now with Kyle Miller going to the MLB Draft, will this give Young Harris College transfer Matt Sanders a chance of playing right away?

Answered 07/02/07 16:44:24 by Paul Strelow

A: Yes, it should. Because the Tigers would prefer to keep Ben Paulsen at first (where he's by far a better fit), Sanders is the default No. 1 option at third. How he plays defense in fall ball will go a long way in determining whether he can hold the spot.

Submitted by Pete from Aiken, SC

Q: Paul, Do you have a feel for why so many top notch quarterbacks are suddenly looking at Clemson, when for years we were lucky is we could find one good one every other year? Is there a particular coach these guys want to work with?

Answered 07/02/07 16:42:16 by Paul Strelow

A: Well, for starters, you'd have to define top-notch. Korn is still the only blue-chipper on the roster or commitment list. Kyle Parker may end up being a world-beater, but his ranking is no better than Will Proctor's was. That said, Clemson has a lot to sell and has among the ACC's best salesmen as its recruiters. Clemson's assistants have upgraded the personnel talent across the board the last three years, and once you get a few James Davis' and C.J. Spiller's on board, it's easier to build from there. Rob Spence also has a favorable reputation, but I think it has more to do with Clemson's acquisition of talent at all the other positions and the potential to be a part of a future winner.

Submitted by Marc H. from Memphis, Tennessee

Q: Hey Paul. Now that quite a bit of water and time has passed under the bridge and some dust has settled (for now), what do you now foresee will be the scenario that saves (or costs) Bowden his job? Also, have you considered writing a Clemson blog for the The State like a couple of your colleagues do for USC? It would be interesting to get another viewpoint on Clemson stuff regularly other than The Greenville News (not that there's anything wrong with that). I figure a lot of fans would get a kick out of it. Plus I'm out here in the middle of SEC country, so I need all the ACC help I can get. Thanks.

Answered 07/02/07 16:32:26 by Paul Strelow

A: Thought I'd let more water pass under the bridge before answering this, apparently. I think the only scenario that costs Bowden his job is a late-season slide. Lots of people want to tag a win total as a bottom line, but look at how many coaches whose teams have started slow (including a few Bowden ones) have saved their coaches' jobs with end-of-year surges. Momentum, one direction or the other, means everything in swaying the court of booster opinion.

Submitted by Warren herndon from Lexington SC

Q: Paul, I am the president of the Lex County Clemson Club.Our Spring meeting is May 17 at 5:30 at Lexington High School.If anyone has questions or needs tickets they can call me at 359-2973 or 799-9772 ext 13.If you can put a spot in your paper we would appreciate it. Thanks Warren Herndon

Answered 05/04/07 18:46:35 by Paul Strelow

A: 'Nuff said.

Submitted by jay from irmo

Q: hey paul, really don't have a question on football but i have to wonder why leggett will not play a local kid by the name of alex lee. the pro scouts have indicated he is the besyt athlete on the team, yet he sits while the coach starts a guy who is batting sub 160 and another who is batting sub 250. when lee gets in he gets on and scores. check it out. another thing how can the top sports story go to a second round pick and not to gaines adams. that my friend is a joke.

Answered 05/04/07 18:45:55 by Paul Strelow

A: Jay -- Don't know if Alex is the best athlete on the team -- Chalk and Mitchell could give him a run for the money -- but I don't disagree he would have been a better option than the first guy mentioned. The sub .250 guy just needed time and experience to come around, in my opinion. Actually, the two stories had equal lengths and were placed adjacent to one another. Problem is, you have to have a dominant picture in page design. So one of the two gets a smaller pic. Now, do you go with 1) the stock AP photo of Gaines that everyone else will use and that shows zero emotion, or 2) the photo taken by our own staff photographer that almost no one else had and was of a player from the college in Columbia? For the record, there is not a writer who does not want his stories to get sufficient play. But from a professional sense, it was a no-brainer.

Submitted by Anonymous from Columbia, SC

Q: What has happened to Richard Jackson, the highly-touted recruit & high-school-record-setting kicker? I know there was an injury last year, and now the post spring depth chart has him behind again?

Answered 04/23/07 16:53:12 by Paul Strelow

A: I don't know that anything has really happened to him. Jackson, like all HS recruits and NFL prospects at his position, was evaluated in large measure by leg strength. And Jackson has plenty; his reputation was built on his 63-yard FG as a high-schooler. What hasn't improved is his consistency/accuracy. They've tried making slight changes in his mechanics, only to revert back to what is more comfortable because Jackson got worse. Like last year, Clemson is also concerned his get-off times are too slow. What has made matters worse is he has now lost his confidence, too -- and, as anyone who has dealt with the position before can attest, how a kicker copes with confidence/pressure/scrutiny is usually what makes or breaks him in the end.

Submitted by oldhugh from Florence, SC

Q: It was legal,and according to the rules, but do you feel the Tigers should have been awarded the game Sunday with Wake having the tying run at second with only one out?

Answered 04/16/07 14:42:13 by Paul Strelow

A: I can see why any team in Wake's position would have a strong argument that the game should not be awarded. However, from the ACC's standpoint, a practical decision has to be made. The road team has to go home that day (sometimes, but not in this case, because of flight arrangements), and think of the financial and organizational hassle of trying to get the two teams back together sometime within the next month. You're darned if you do, darned if you don't. And it's a lot simpler to handle it the way they did.

Submitted by Steve from Pickens

Q: Are we looking at any athletes from Prince Avenue Prep?

Answered 04/16/07 14:37:52 by Paul Strelow

A: Nope.

Submitted by Steve from Pickens, SC

Q: Since Prince Avenue Prep has now been determied to be a "diploma mill" are there any recruits or potential recruits beside Laron Dendy , who might be in jeopardy of not being admitted or who are now being backed away from(I did hear a Citdel recruit frrom there was denied admission)

Answered 04/16/07 14:37:39 by Paul Strelow

A: The only other prospects from there that I know of were a hoops center who signed with Marshall, Robbie Jackson, and a couple of athletes who signed with S.C. State. And to be honest, I don't know the answer of whether they've been accepted or denied. The only athlete I've tracked is Dendy.

Submitted by Rick Menzer from Boiling Springs, SC

Q: Mr. Strelow, I am sorry this isn't a CLEMSON question. I am a principal (and USC grad) of an elementary school in the upstate (Boiling Springs). I was trying to reach Corey Miller, the new coach of the arena team in Columbia. Is there a contact number? I was going to invite him to speak to our kids in the spring. I can't locate a contact number for the arena team nor another contact number. [I taught / coached Corey 25 years ago and have been out of contact for 10 years. Willie Scott gave me some numbers. None were current. Any help is appreciated. If you can't help, is there a local organization of former players who speak at schools? Maybe a phone number... Thanks. Rick Menzer

Answered 04/16/07 14:34:59 by Paul Strelow

A: Rick, sorry for the delayed response. Don't have a number for Corey, but if you call our office at 803-771-8450, they should be able to put you in touch with a writer who covers them.

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