Clemson holds first scrimmage. Who stepped up, who’s in COVID-19 protocol
Clemson held its first scrimmage of preseason camp on Saturday, but several familiar faces were unable to take part in the workout.
In total, the Tigers had at least 16 players held out for various reasons. The full list of players unable to participate includes: Travis Etienne, Amari Rodgers, James Skalski, Frank Ladson, Joseph Ngata, Ajou Ajou, Justin Foster, Xavier Thomas, Mario Goodrich, Blake Vinson, Tayquon Johnson, Kaleb Boateng, Mason Trotter, Kane Patterson, Etinosa Reuben and another offensive lineman whose name Dabo Swinney could not recall.
Clemson also had receiver Will Brown go down with an injury during the scrimmage, Swinney said.
Of the players who were unable to participate, Rodgers, Ladson, Boateng and Trotter were held out because of COVID-19 protocol. Ngata was recently cleared from protocol but can’t immediately begin workouts with full pads, per NCAA rules.
A player is considered to be in protocol if they have tested positive or have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive.
Stepping up
With receivers Rodgers, Ladson, Ngata and Ajou out, senior Cornell Powell stole the show. The North Carolina native caught three touchdowns during the scrimmage, according to Swinney.
“Cornell Powell had a tremendous day. I thought Cornell was the best player on the field today,” Swinney said. “I think he had three touchdowns, just had a great, great day. It’s just awesome. He’s a fifth-year senior and that’s what it’s all about. It’s so good to be able to see him hang in there and continue to grind.”
Powell had 15 catches for 122 yards and a pair of touchdowns last season while playing behind a talented group of wideouts that included Justyn Ross and Tee Higgins.
Brannon Spector, Will Brown and Will Swinney joined Powell with the first-team wideouts on Saturday.
“The other kid that had a great day is Spector. Spector’s had a couple of really good days in a row,” Swinney said. “I’m super proud of him. So Spec, and Cornell and Will Brown and Will Swinney kind of worked with the first group. Will Brown and Will Swinney in the slot. And those guys did a great job.”
The show goes on
It remains to be seen how many fans, if any, will be allowed at Clemson games this season. But even if the number is zero, Swinney said his team will be ready to play.
“I always tell the team championships are won when the stands are empty. Literally they made be won this year when they’re empty,” Swinney said. “Whether there’s anybody in the stands or not it still comes down to blocking, tackling, throwing, catching, execution, playing tough, playing smart, playing with discipline, playing with relentless effort, passion, playing for each other.”
