Notes: Renfrow makes immediate impact upon return
Clemson receiver Hunter Renfrow returned to the lineup against N.C. State after missing four weeks with a hand injury, and immediately made his presence felt.
The sophomore caught six passes for 53 yards against the Wolfpack in his first action since early September.
The former walk-on continued to practice after suffering a fracture in his right hand, but was unable to play in games until Saturday because he couldn’t properly tuck the football.
“It was definitely hard to wait. I thought I was good to go a week after it happened, but I had to give it time to heal,” he said Tuesday. “I definitely got a little different appreciation not being able to play. I thought I was going to have the whole season, and one play can take that away.”
Renfrow played with a brace on his hand against N.C. State, but he’s hoping to be 100 percent healthy for next week’s game against Florida State. Renfrow will find out after the bye week if he’ll have to wear a brace on his hand.
“Monday, I get a CAT scan to see if I can get everything off, and I think I’ll be able to. I’m looking forward to that,” he said. “I couldn’t really tuck it with my right hand, but I could tuck it with my left hand. A few times I did tuck it with my right, but I made sure I cradled it and got down. It’s just like getting hurt in the back yard and having to play with a hurt hand.”
WHERE’S FEASTER?
Running back Tavien Feaster didn’t see the field against N.C. State, despite starting running back Wayne Gallman leaving in the first quarter with a concussion.
The former five-star running back remained on the bench as backups C.J. Fuller, Adam Choice and Tyshon Dye each got a chance in the backfield.
“As coaches, we all feel very comfortable when we go into a game as far as what the pecking order is for your position,” co-offensive coordinator Jeff Scott said.
He added the game was too close for Feaster to receive extended playing time.
“That’s not a time to break a guy out,” Scott said.
When asked if Feaster would be trusted in similar situations moving forward, Scott responded, “We trust him enough as the fifth guy.”
READY TO REST
The bye week comes at a good time as the Tigers have played seven weeks in a row, including two games where the defense appeared to tire at the end.
Clemson’s linebackers admitted to being exhausted after the Louisville game, and Dorian O’Daniel said some players were tired at the end of the N.C. State game as the Wolfpack kept the ball for the final 6 1/2 minutes.
“You have no idea,” O’Daniel responded when asked if he was thankful for a break. “Coach is really looking out on this week’s practice schedule. We don’t want to get rusty or anything, but he’s taking care of us.”
Clemson practiced Monday before taking Tuesday off for community service work. The Tigers will return to the practice field on Wednesday.