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1991

Illinois vs Clemson (1/1/1991)

Clemson University

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This Book is brought to you for free and open access by the Programs at TigerPrints. It has been accepted for inclusion in Football Programs by an authorized administrator of TigerPrints. For more information, please contact [email protected]. Clemson — 1 990 Total Defense National Champion Tiger Tidbits

AII-ACC noseguard Rob Bodine came to sidelines looks vaguely familiar to the Tiger faith- Clemson team in tackles this season for the Clemson as a , following in the ful, in fact, he looks suspiciously like one of the second time in his career, may be the hardest footsteps of his father, who once ran in the same guys in the orange uniforms. That's because hitter on the Clemson team, even though he backfield with LSU basketball coach Dale Brown. John Hammond is the father of defensive tackle describes himself as a "small, short, tubby young

Rob spent his freshman year at the University of Vance Hammond. Corporal Hammond, who also man." But Eddie-Mac may be the player he is North Dakota, a school known for its hockey played at Wingate, has taken today all because of a dollar bet he made when he team, rather than its football team. Rob had 21 Vance and his brother Mark to the games he was seven-years-old. Ed's Uncle Charlie bet his tackles, including five for loss at North Dakota in patrolled since his sons were young, usually young nephew a dollar that he couldn't make a

1 987 before deciding to transfer to Clemson and games at the University of South Carolina. In sack in a game. By the end of the game, Uncle walk-on to the football team. This year he leads 1 977, 1 0-year-old Vance got so excited when the Charlie was a dollar poorer and nephew Ed had the Clemson team in tackles for loss with 1 4, quite Gamecocks scored a touchdown, he jumped decided what he wanted to do for the next few an accomplishment for Clemson's lightest (245 right on the pile of celebrating players. Since years. "I made that sack and ever since then, I pounds) middle guard in 10 years. then, Vance has obviously switched his alle- knew I could do it." Two-time AII-ACC linebacker Doug Brewster giances to Clemson as he has become an AII- Wide receiver and kickoff returner changed his outlook on life and the game of ACC member of the winningest class in ACC extraordinaire Doug Thomas' hometown of football this year all because of a little walk he history. Hamlet, NC, may have the largest group of great took last summer. On July 28, 1990, Doug walked If you think outside linebacker Levon Kirkland athletes per capita of any town in the country. down the aisle to take Tammy Johnson as his is a little better at celebrating the big play than Doug followed in the footsteps of other famous lawful wedded wife. Brewster credits his bride most players, it may be because he has had Hamlet athletes like his cousin Mike Quick, an all- with helping him organize his time as he tries to years of practice. A self-described "strange little pro receiver for the , balance being a student, an athlete and a husband. boy", Levon used to play football all by himself in cornerback Perry Williams who played for the Tammy also has become Doug's toughest critic. his backyard in Lamar, SC. He would snap the , the ' Louis

"After one game, I told him he had done OK, but ball, throw the ball and catch the ball. He would Breedin, major league outfielder Franklin Stubbs he had missed a few tackles and could have done even be the P. A. announcer. After he would snap of the Houston Astros, and Ed Marshall from the better," she laughs. "Doug looked at me like I was the ball to himself, throw the ball to himself and New York Yankees. Even in his own family, Doug crazy!" Like most Clemson fans, Tammy says catch the ball for a touchdown, he would high-five had some athletic shoes to fill, as his older brother there is nothing she likes better than to see her the air and scream and yell, all the while an- "Skeets" was a standout in baseball at the Uni- husband hit somebody, "and hit them hard!" nouncing to the make-believe crowd what was versity of South Carolina and is now playing AA

AII-ACC and Chris happening, as if the whole town of Lamar was ball in the St. Louis Cardinal organization.

Gardocki may have begun his athletic career there watching. Now, if the whole town of Lamar Several members of the Tiger football squad earlier than any other player on the Clemson did decide to come to Clemson to watch their keep fairly busy during the off-season by starring team. Chris discovered that he liked to kick the favorite son, who was a finalist for this year's with the Clemson track squad. Wide receivers ball at the tender age of three. While his older Butkus Award, the entire population could fit in Doug Thomas and Larry Ryans, and defensive brother Tad played soccer on an organized team, the green grass section of the Clemson endzone. back James Trapp were all members of the squad little Chris would kick the ball around the field. Linebacker Ed McDaniel, who leads the that won the 1990 ACC indoor and outdoor con-

Chris has grown a little since then, and the ball he ference titles. Thomas was the 1 990 ACC cham- kicks is oblong instead of round. But who knows, pion in the 55-meters indoors and qualified for the it may have been those extra years of experience NCAA meet. Ryans and Trapp were both named that made him into the all-star player he is today. All-Americans in 1990, with Ryans winning hon-

A few years ago, Clemson had the "Fridge". ors in the 1 10-meter high hurdles outdoors and This year, the Tigers boast the "human dormi- Trapp being honored indoors in the 55-meters. tory." Fullback Howard Hall has earned that Trapp was also named the MVP of the ACC nickname this season, after gaining a large fol- outdoor meet, as he was the champion in the 1 00 lowing in a very unlikely place: South Bend, and 200 meters. Indiana. When the Tigers played on national ACC Rookie-of-the-Year and Clemson's television against Virginia, a group of co-eds leading rusher Ronald Williams may have been living in Notre Dame's Howard Hall, decided they the only freshman in 1990 who wasn't a little would like to join Tiger Howard Hall's fan club. intimidated when he arrived at Tigertown and was The group contacted the Clemson Sports Infor- faced with three-a-day practices. In fact, three-a- mation Office and before long, received a picture days and two-a-days at Clemson were a piece of of Howard, autographed, "To all my fans in Howard cake to him after his high school days at Ninety Hall, from Howard Hall." The intramural football Six High School in the town of Ninety Six, South team from the dorm now carries that picture to all Carolina. As a prepster, Ronald went through of their games and follows Howard's progress two-a-day practices every season — practices weekly. The story about the picture made the that may have been a little tougher than the national wire, USA Today, Sports Illustrated, average high school workout. In fact, head coach and was featured by CBS. Wayne Sweeney was so tough, only 18 players

Many South Carolina highway patrol are on were able to stick it out and play Ronald's senior duty at Tiger home games, as the tiny town of season. Ronald played running back and free Clemson becomes one of the largest in the state safety his senior season and must not have been with 80,000+ fans packing Death Valley. But one Ronald Williams was one of just 1 8 players on too worn out from Sweeney's tough practices as

of those uniformed highway patrolmen on the his high school team last year. he gained 1 740 yards and scored 38 touchdowns. General Information

Game: 1991 Hall of Fame Bowl TABLE OF CONTENTS Opponent: Illinois Site: Tampa Stadium (74,314) ACC Football Review Date: January 1, 1990 (1:00 PM) ACC Standings, 1990 54 Television: NBC (Joel Meyers, Amhad Rashad, Paul McGuire) Statistics, 1990 55 Clemson, 1990: 9- 2 overall, 5-2 ACC (tied for 2nd) Assistant Coaches 14 Final Regular Season Rankings: 1 4th by AP, 1 4th by USA Today, 1 1 th by UPI Athletic Dept. Staff 96 Illinois, 1990: 8- 3 overall, 6-2 Big Ten (Co-Champions) Reviews, 1986-89 88 Final Regular Season Rankings: 16th byAP, 18th by USA Today, 17th by UPI Depth Chart, 1990 IBC Clemson Bowl History: 10- 6 overall, 0-0 in Hall of Fame Bowl Future Schedules IBC In the Eighties: 5-1 (including 4 wins in a row) Head Coach Last Appearance: 27-7 over West Virginia in 1989 Biography 12 vs. the Big Ten: 1-1 (17-15 over Ohio State, ) Year-By-Year Record 13 (13-20 loss to Minnesota, 1985 Independence Bowl) Honors & Awards 51 Streak: Clemson has won 4 straight bowls overall, 6 in a row in FL Notes on 1990 Tigers 4 This is Clemson's 6th straight season in a bowl. Personnel Overview 2 Illinois Bowl History: 4-4 overall, 0-0 in Hall of Fame Bowl Player Biographies 17 In the Eighties: 1-4 Career Highs 53 Last Appearance: 31-21 over Virginia in 1990 Florida Citrus Bowl Records vs. the ACC: 1-0, 31-21 over Virginia in 1990 Florida Citrus Bowl Bowl Records 92 Streak: Illinois has won one in a row, this is 3rd straight bowl yr. Career Leaders 83 Clemson Coach: Ken Hatfield (Arkansas '65) Defensive Records 86 Day Hired: January 21, 1990 Individual Records 70 At Clemson: 9- 2 (.818), 1st year Last Time It Happened 94 Overall: 91-50-2 (.643), 12th year as head coach Longest Plays 78 Bowl Games: 3-5, all in the last 8 years Single Game Highs & Lows 74 Illinois Coach: John Mackovic (Wake Forest '65) Roster, Alphabetical 48 Day Hired: February 3, 1988 Roster, Numerical 49 At Illinois: 24-10-1 (.700), 3rd season, 1-1 in bowls Statistics, 1990 Overall: 38-30-1 (.558), 6th season Game-By-Game, Individual 44 Bowl Games: 1-2, 0-1 at Wake Forest, 1-1 at Illinois Game-By-Game, Team 47 Individual 42 Important Phone Numbers: Participation Chart 52 Clemson Orlando Headquarters (Dec. 17-24): Mickey Plyler Sheraton at Florida Mall Scores 43, 44 (407) 859-1500 Season Review, 1990 59 Clemson Tampa Headquarters (Dec. 26-2): Tim Bourret at Hyatt Regency, Westshore Starting Lineups 45 (813) 874-1234 Superlatives 46 Press Hotel in Tampa: Omni Tampa Hotel 289-8200 (813) Team 42 Hall of Fame Bowl: Mike Schulze (813) 874-2695 Cover photos by Jim Moriarty, Bob Waldrop, C.W. Fax (813) 873-1959 Pack, Vern Verna.

Illinois SID Office: Mike Pearson (217) 333-1390 Interior photos by Eddie Cliff, Vern Verna, Bob Waldrop,

Fax: (217) 333-5540 Rob Biggerstaff , Scott Harke, Clemson Communications Clemson SID Office: Tim Bourret (803) 656-2114 Center. Fax: (803) 656-0299 This brochure was designed and edited by Tim Bourret. Special thanks to Annabelle Vaughan, Tim Big Ten Office: Mark Rudner (708) 605-0110 Match, Sam Blackman, Bob Bradley, Dr. Harold Vigodsky. Mickey ACC Office: Tom Mickle (919) 854-8787 Plyler. Donna Strickland and Sanford Rogers.

Hall of Fame Bowl Headquarters in Tampa Media Headquarters in Tampa Mike Schulze Hyatt Regency Westshore Omni Tampa Hotel Public Relations Director at Tampa International 700 North Westshore Blvd. 4511 N. Himes Ave., Ste. 135 6200 Courtney Campbell Cause. Tampa, FL 33609 Tampa, FL 33614 Tampa, FL 33607 Phone: (81 3) 289-8200 Phone: (813) 874-2695 Phone: (813) 874-1234

Clemson Tentative Schedule Dec. 26 Practice at 9:1 5 AM and 3:00 PM at University of Tampa Dec. 27 Practice at 9:45 AM Player's night at Busch Gardens Dec. 28 Hall of Fame luncheon at 12:00 noon Practice at 3:00 PM Dec. 29 Practice at 9:30 AM 12:00 noon-4:00 PM Clearwater Beach Dec. 30 Practice TBA Media cookout with coaches and captains at 2:00 PM Dec. 31 3:00 PM workout at Tampa Stadium

Jan. 1 Clemson vs. Illinois, 1:00 PM

1 . 1

Clemson Tiger r* * Personnel Overview

Backfield and it ended the season as one of the deepest a second-team all-conference performer. Curtis Clemson has been a run-oriented team for slots on the roster. Howard Hall started eight of Whitley is the starting center, a slot he held over over a decade and this overall strategy did not the 1 1 games and the red-shirt sophomore gained the last eight games of the season. Whitley had change in 1 990. Clemson ran the ball 76 percent 258 yards in 58 attempts. He was the top rusher 45 knockdown blocks and graded at least 73 of the time this season and averaged 255.3 yards after three games, but a knee injury forced him to percent in three of the last four games. per game on the ground, the ninth best figure in miss three contests at midseason. Bruce Bratton and Stacy Fields are two in- the nation. Clemson reached this level with a Rudy Harris and Tony Kennedy then moved telligent linemen on the Clemson team. Bratton veteran offensive line that included three seniors, to the forefront. Harris, a 225-pound sophomore, was an AII-ACC academic selection last year who but it was the youngest group of skill position actually finished second on the Clemson rushing graded at 76 percent for the season, while Fields players for the Tigers since 1943 (20 combined charts with 353 yards. The native of Brockton, finished third on the team in receptions from the years at the five skill positions heading into the MA. scored five touchdowns, three rushing and tight end position. He had 13 catches for 121 season). Five of the top six rushers were two receiving. He scored the winning TD against yards and also chipped in with 26 knockdown freshmen or sophomores. Maryland on a pass reception, the first Clemson blocks. Fields has already been a two-time AII-

The leading rusher is first-year freshman fullback to catch a TD pass in 1 8 years. Kennedy ACC Academic selection.

Ronald Williams. The native of Ninety Six, SC had 1 85 yards in 43 carries and scored the key gained 91 4 yards in 1 64 carries, a 5.57 average, touchdown in the victory over South Carolina. Wide Receivers and he led the team in touchdowns with eight. He Over the course of the season, Hall was in for 308 Terry Smith has been Clemson's leading re- did not become a starter until the fourth game of snaps, Harris for 275 and Kennedy 192. ceiver all year and in fact had almost double the the season and had four 100-yard games over DeChane (pronounced Dee Shawn) Cameron reception total of any other Tiger. The native of the last seven contests, including plus-1 20-yard started at in all 1 1 games this year. Clemson had 31 receptions for 437 yards and two days against archrivals South Carolina and It was his third season with the Tigers, but his first touchdowns. The reception and yardage totals

Georgia. Williams became just the third Clemson as the starter. Cameron hit on 84 of 1 75 passes were both Clemson freshman records by sizeable player in history to win ACC Rookie-of-the-Year for 1044 yards and five TDs. He threw just five margins. He had his best game against Maryland honors. interceptions, and is in fact second in Clemson when he snared nine balls for 84 yards, the most Rodney Blunt started the season at the tailback history in career interception avoidance. The catches in a game by any Tiger in nine seasons. slot, but injured an ankle at Maryland, allowing native of LaGrange, GA is also fifth in Clemson Doug Thomas is a big-play performer who Williams to take over the starting spot. He finished history in career completion percentage with a 52 was second on the team in all-purpose running the year on a high note with 65 yards in 1 2 carries percent mark. (569 yards). The senior had 1 6 catches for 252 against South Carolina and he ended the regular A fine runner, Cameron is third on the team in yards and also led the team in kickoff returns with season with 73 rushes for 264 yards. Derrick rushing with 285 yards in 108 attempts and he 307 yards on 10 attempts. Thomas averaged Witherspoon also made significant contributions scored four TDs. He led Clemson in rushing in the over 20 yards every time he touched he ball this as a tailback in his freshman year. He gained 261 win over Duke with 84 yards, the first time in nine season. He was an all-conference sprinter on the yards in just 42 attempts, a 6.2 average. He had seasons a Clemson quarterback had led the Clemson track team last year and has already the longest run (81 yards) and the longest pass team in rushing. He finished the season strong played on six ACC championship teams at reception (56 yards) of the season for the Tigers. as far as passing is concerned, hitting 35 of his Clemson, four in track and two in football. The fullback position saw three players make last 63 (.556) and completed over 50 percent of Larry Ryans is a third speedy wideout for the significant contributions at one time or another his passes in three of the last four games. Tigers. The first All-America hurdler for the

Clemson track team, Ryans caught 1 1 passes for Offensive Line 101 yards after beginning the season as a tailback.

Clemson's offensive line is led consensus He averaged 7.5 yards rush for the season and "3? • by a Ail-American Stacy Long. The starting tackle can be a game-breaker. was a finalist for the Outland Trophy and was

chosen a first-team Ail-American by AP, UPI , The Special Teams

Sporting News, Football News and the Football The special teams area of the squad is led by Writers Association. Long was a key reason second-team All-American . The Clemson was ninth in the nation in rushing offense. junior ranked fourth in the nation and led the ACC He had 46 knockdown blocks and graded at 79 in punting with a 44.34 average on 53 punts, and percent over the course of the season, a fine also ranked in a tie for fourth in the country in field

accomplishment considering he was injured much goals per game with 19 in 24 attempts over 1

of the time over the first five games of the season contests. He was 16-17 inside the 48 yardline Eric Harmon is an AII-ACC guard. The native this year and the only miss was a block when of Camden, NJ has started 46 games in his someone missed their assignment in Clemson's Clemson career, more than any other Tiger in offensive line. history, and he also holds the Clemson record for Gardocki is the second player in NCAA history career knockdown blocks with 265, including a to finish in the top five in the nation in punting and team best 68 this season. Clemson has finished placekicking (Steve Little of Arkansas in 1977 is

in the top 15 in the nation in rushing each of the the other) in the same season and it is the second

last four years and Harmon is the only common year in a row he has ranked in the top 1 0, the only

denominator on the offense as a starter over that player in NCAA history to do it twice. This season AII-ACC guard Eric Harmon was a major period of time. he has kicked a 57-yard field to tie an ACC record reason Clemson was ninth in the nation in Jeb Flesch joins Harmon as the other starting and also has a 78-yard , second longest in rushing. guard. Flesch had 48 knockdown blocks and was Clemson history. The native of Stone Mountain,

2 1

Brewster was second on the team in tackles with 79. He has started each of the last 25 games and

has 37 starts in his career. The native of Athens

is ranked sixth in Clemson history in tackles with 306.

Four outside linebackers have been in for 250 plays apiece this year. This might be the deepest area of the Clemson football team. All four have

between 39 and 53 tackles and are all capable of starting.

Levon Kirkland led the outside linebackers in

tackles with 53 and he also had 1 tackles for loss, quite an accomplishment for someone who averages just 40 plays a game. The junior was a finalist for the Butkus Award this year, the only underclassman to rank in the top five for that award. He was a second-team AP All-American. John Johnson joins Kirkland as a starter. The senior who is one of the leaders of this entire team, had 41 tackles and six behind the line of

scrimmage. A four-year starter, he is a big reason Clemson has ranked in the top five in total de- fense each of the last two seasons. Wayne Simmons and Ashley Sheppard are a Bodine, originally a walk-on, led the Tigers in tackles for loss. pair of sophomores who are destined for stardom. Simmons had 39 stops and four behind the line of GA is first in Clemson history in punting and has been a balanced defense that has not suf- scrimmage, while Sheppard had 45 tackles, in- second in total field goals. He needs just four to fered from injury or lineup changes. No one has cluding eight (with two sacks) against Wake Clemson's field become career goal leader. 1 00 tackles on the Clemson team, but 22 different Forest when he was named ACC Player-of-the- As far as returns are concerned, Clemson has players have a tackle for loss and 14 different Week. in a game-breaker Doug Thomas. The wide players have recorded sacks. Eight of the 1 receiver had two 98-yard kickoff returns for starters have been first or second-team all-con- Secondary touchdowns this year, the first Clemson player ference at one time or another in their careers. The Clemson secondary does not play much ever to score two TDs on kickoff returns in a The frontline of defense is led by AII-ACC and prevent defense. Often they are left with one-on- career, never mind a season. Thomas averaged honorable mention All-American Vance one coverage, allowing a blitz by Clemson line- 30.7 yards a return and would have led the Hammond. The senior leader led the team in backers. But this group has covered opposing county, of but he was one attempt short qualifying sacks with eight and also recorded 1 2 tackles for receivers closely, a reason Clemson is sixth in the for the national statistics. loss. He was fourth on the team in tackles with 66. nation in passing efficiency defense. Opponents The punt return duties are divided between Rob Bodine was a first-team AII-ACC per- averaged just 5.2 yards an attempt and threw for All- Dexter Davis and Robert O'Neal, a pair of former and has been the most pleasant surprise just five touchdowns in 1 1 games.

ACC defensive backs. Davis has 29 returns for on the Clemson defense each of the last two Dexter Davis is the leader of the secondary. 191 yards, a 6.6 average, while O'Neal has 11 years. The lightest starting middle guard at He did not make any All-America teams, but had returns for an 8.5 average. He had a 30-yard Clemson in 10 years, the 245-pounder had 78 the statistics to be a selection. The native of return against South Carolina, the longest return tackles to lead all Clemson defensive linemen Sumter (same hometown as former Tiger All- by a Tiger all season. and he paced the entire team in tackles for loss American ) led the ACC in inter-

As far as kickoff return and punt return cov- with14. The original walk-on also had 5.5 sacks ceptions with six and he ranked 1 4th in the nation erage, Clemson is led by Shane Scott and David and had three double figure tackle games. in that category as a junior. He provided game- Joye, who both have 21 tackles on special teams. Chester McGlockton came on strong at the breaking plays in three Tiger victories this year; a The 21 tackles ties a Clemson single season end of the season and ranked sixth on the team late interception against Maryland; a 52-yard record for special teams tackles. Ashley Sheppard in tackles with 53. He also had 6.5 sacks to rank return for a score at N.C. State; and a 30- has added 1 9 stops. second to Hammond, but 4.5 of them came in the yard interception return for a touchdown against Overall, defense on punt and kickoff returns last two games of the season. He was Clemson's North Carolina. He was a first-team AII-ACC has been a trouble spot for Clemson as the Tigers MVP (according to ACC TV) in each of the last choice and is in the top five in Clemson history in have given up 26 yards a kickoff return this year, two games. PBUs and interceptions. last in the ACC. Opponents have averaged 10 Safety Robert O'Neal was a first-team AII- yards a punt return and in both of Clemson's Linebackers ACC choice in 1 989. The native of Clarkston, GA losses this season a kickoff return or punt return Clemson's group of inside and outside line- led the secondary and was fifth on the team in was a pivotal play in the game. backers was named the best in the nation in the tackles with 56. O'Neal led the ACC in inter- Scott Beville is the snapper on all punts and Sporting News preseason yearbook. They did ceptions last year with a Clemson record eight placekick situations. He is in his third year of this nothing to lose that reputation this season. They thefts, including one against Major Harris in last duty and is a reason Gardocki has had just one were major reasons Clemson allowed just 2.14 year's Gator Bowl. punt blocked in his career. He has not had a wild yards a rush, a Clemson record for that area. Two seniors have had outstanding seasons in snap all year in 106 attempts. Third-team quar- Inside linebackers Ed McDaniel and Doug the secondary for the Tigers. Arlington Nunn is a terback Jimmy McLees is the holder. Brewster led the team in tackles. McDaniel had roverback who set a Clemson record with two 97 stops, including 12 tackles behind the line of interception returns for touchdowns this year, Defensive Line scrimmage, most tackles for loss by a Clemson one against Long Beach State and one against Clemson led the nation in total defense, allow- inside linebacker in 12 years. A first-team all- Wake Forest. Both times they provided Clemson ing just 217 yards a game. The Tigers also conference pick by Football News, McDaniel had with an early lead. Jerome Henderson is a senior ranked second in rushing defense, second in five double figure tackle games and tied a Clemson cornerback who had eight passes broken up and scoring defense and sixth in passing efficiency record with four caused . is high on many pro scout lists this spring. He will defense, the first time Clemson has ever finished Brewster was a second-team AII-ACC line- be appearing in his fourth bowl game for the in the top 1 in the nation in all four categories. It backer in 1 990 after making first-team a year ago. Tigers.

3 Clemson Notes

Three Tigers on Associated Press All- second team. was a Ist-team choice in 1989.

America Teams Clemson held down two of the three interior Doug Brewster, inside linebacker, was first

A record three Clemson players were defensive line positions. Vance Hammond, team as a junior in 1 989. named either first or second-team AP and UPI who led Clemson's defense in sacks with Ed McDaniel was first-team AII-ACC by Ail-American this year. Stacy Long was on eight, was one of the tackles, while Rob Bodine, Football News in 1990. the first team as an offensive tackle, while who led the club in tackles for loss with 1 4, was Chris Gardocki was a second-team placekicker the first-team middle guard. Levon Kirkland, Seniors Set ACC Record and Levon Kirkland was a second-team out- a finalist for the Butkus Award, was a first-team Clemson's current group of seniors estab- side linebacker. outside linebacker, while Dexter Davis, the lished a new ACC record for victories by a No Clemson team had had that many on ACC's interception leader, was a first-team senior class. With the 24-15 win over South the first two AP teams. In 1 982 Clemson had cornerback. Outside linebacker John Johnson Carolina on November 17, Clemson won its three players over the first three teams as and inside linebacker Doug Brewster, both 39th game in the last four years. This group

Terry Kinard was a first-team choice, while made second team. is now 39-8, breaking the record of 38-8-2 by William Perry and were third- Inside linebacker Ed McDaniel did not make the seniors of 1989. Ironically, the seniors team selections. The national championship the AP team but was first-team AII-ACC by the broke the record in their final home game team of 1 981 had Kinard on the first AP team, Football News. against their number-one rival. while Jeff Davis was a second-team selection. This group also had a 23-3 record at According to Football News, Long was on Clemson AII-ACC Players home, which established another Clemson the first team, Gardocki on the second team First Team mark for most home victories by a senior and Kirkland on the third team. Clemson also Chris Gardocki, punter & placekicker, junior class. They broke the record of 22 wins had Eric Harmon, Doug Brewster, Ronald Stacy Long, offensive tackle, senior held by the senior group of 1984, a group Williams, Vance Hammond, Gardocki as a Eric Harmon, offensive guard, senior that featured William Perry. punter, Ed McDaniel, Dexter Davis, and Ronald Williams, tailback, freshman Here is a list of Clemson seniors who will be Robert O'Neal as honorable mention Ail- Vance Hammond, defensive tackle, senior playing in their final bowl game. Americans according to the Football News Rob Bodine, defensive tackle, junior team. Levon Kirkland, outside linebacker, junior Mitch Belton DB Columbia, SC Stacy Long was Clemson's only represen- Dexter Davis, cornerback, junior Scott Beville SN Ocala, FL tative on the Football Writers team, the orga- Doug Brewster *LB Athens, GA nization only selects a first team. Long also Second Team Reggie Demps RB Orlando, FL was a first-team choice by The Sporting News, Jeb Flesch, offensive guard, junior Robin Eaves RB Mt. Airy, MD giving him five first-team selections. John Johnson, outside linebacker, senior Stacy Fields *TE Frogmore, SC Doug Brewster, inside linebacker, senior Vance Hammond *DT Spartanburg, SC Clemson Holds Nine First-team AII-ACC Eric Harmon *OG Camden, NJ Slots Note: Robert O'Neal, free safety, sophomore, Jerome Henderson *DB Statesville, NC Clemson held nine first-team positions, more than any other school, on the 1990 AII- ACC team as chosen by the Atlantic Coast

Conference Sportswriters Association. This is considered the official AII-ACC team. League champion Georgia Tech and participant Virginia had five selections apiece. Clemson had four first-team selections on defense, three on offense and both the punter and placekicker positions. Chris Gardocki held down both the punter and placekicker slots, he ranks in the top 5 in the nation in both categories. Ronald Williams is a first-team runningback and was chosen the conference Rookie-of-the-Year. He finished second in the ACC and ranks 26th in the nation in rushing yards per game. Clemson held down two of the five interior line positions. Stacy Long was a repeat se- lection to the first team as an offensive tackle, while Eric Harmon was chosen as a first-team guard. Harmon made the UPI team last year junior, did not the as a but make sportswriters' Gardocki was a second-team All-America placekicker and honorable mention All-America team. Junior guard the Jeb Flesch made punter. He ranked in the top five in the nation in both categories.

4 Top Senior Classes Ninth Straight Bowl for Hatfield (Winningest Programs, 1987-90) Clemson Head Coach Ken Hatfield will be RkTeam Record Pet Postseason coaching a team in a postseason bowl at the 1. Miami (FL) 43-4 .915 Cotton vs. Texas Division I level for the ninth straight season. 2. Florida St. 41-6 .872 Blockbuster vs. Penn St. He took Air Force to a bowl each of his last two Notre Dame 41-7 .854 Orange vs. Colorado 4 Nebraska 40-8 .833 Citrus vs. Georgia Tech years at the Colorado Springs based school, 5. Clemson 39-8 .830 Hall of Fame vs. Illinois then took Arkansas to a bowl all six years he 6. Brig. Young 38-13 .745 Holiday vs. Texas A&M coached his alma mater. Hatfield is one of just 7. Auburn 36-8-3 .798 Peach vs. Indiana five coaches to take a team to a bowl each of Colorado 36-10-1 .777 Orange vs. Notre Dame the last nine years. The company Hatfield is 9. Fresno St. 35-10-1 .772 Oklahoma 35-11 .761 keeping includes Bobby Bowden of Florida Syracuse 35-10-3 .760 Aloha vs. Arizona State. Pat Dye of Auburn, of Michigan 35-11-1 .755 Gator Mississippi vs. Nebraska and Lavell Edwards of Brigham South. Cal. 35-1 1-2 .750 Hancock vs. Michigan St Young. Wyoming 35-14 .714 Copper vs. California

Both Coaches Looking For First Win Clemson In Sixth Straight Bowl Appear- Both John Mackovic of Illinois and Ken ance Hatfield of Clemson will be looking to enter the Clemson will tie an ACC record for con- win column in meetings against their respec-

secutive seasons in a bowl game when it tive opponents when the Tigers meet the lllini 0- makes its Hall of Fame Bowl appearance this in the Hall of Fame Bowl. John Mackovic is year. Clemson has been to a bowl game every 3 against Clemson in his head coaching career, Hatfield will be coaching in his ninth straight year since 1985 and has won each of its last while Ken Hatfield is 0-1-1 against Illinois. bowl game, something only four other active four bowl games. Clemson and Florida State Mackovic was 0-3 against the Tigers dur- coaches in America can claim. are the only teams in the nation to win a ing his career as head coach at Wake Forest (1978-80). Clemson gained victory at bowl game each of the last four seasons . Wake Clemson will tie Maryland's record for con- Forest in 1978, 51-6, then stopped a 14th- 31 -0 at John Johnson *OLB LaGrange, GA secutive bowl seasons when it goes to a bowl ranked Demon Deacon team Clemson Reggie Lawrence TB Jacksonville, FL this year. The Terps were in a bowl every year in 1979. In one of the wildest Tiger games

Stacy Long *OT Griffin, GA between 1 973 and 1 978. Clemson will have a ever, Clemson stopped Wake Forest 35-33 in Chuck Lynch P Wyndmoor, PA shot at breaking the ACC record for consecutive 1 980. Clemson led 35-7 going into the fourth Eric Mader TE Plymouth, Wl bowl victories. Clemson has won four in a row period of that game, but the Deacons won the Arlington Nunn *SS Clearwater, SC heading into this year's postseason play. North fourth period 26-0. A wild center snap over David Puckett OG Charlotte, NC Carolina also won four straight bowl games in quarterback Jay Venuto's head out of shotgun Danny Sizer DT Fletcher, NC four years between 1979 and 1982. formation on the Deacons' potential game- Robbie Spector WR Calhoun, GA Clemson extended its ACC record for con- winning drive was important in Clemson's Bruce Taylor WR Athens. GA secutive winning regular seasons to 14. victory. Doug Thomas *WR Hamlet, NC Clemson has had a winning ledger in the Ken Hatfield dropped a 27-19 decision to * Denotes Starter in 1990 regular season every year since 1976. Illinois as the head coach at Air Force on

Ken Hatfield Comments on Illinois

"Illinois is an excellent football team, and have said that there will be the greatest num- Their quarterback has hit 65 percent of his they are outstanding in the fundamentals. They ber of defensive stars on the field in this game passes and had a tremendous year. have a good balance between a running game than in any bowl game this year. Illinois has " The Big Ten co-champions is big for and a passing game, and they particularly some great people who can run and hit you. Clemson. Our conference doesn't have many will have a great running back who we have to Their defense is big and quick and they don't games against Big Ten people and it's good stop. John Mackovic is an innovative coach stay blocked. That's the impressive thing for two good teams from different areas to together and a tough competitor. We coached about them. Sometimes if a team hasn't seen come together in a bowl game. They play a

I his career briefly at Army and have followed the option they have a little problem with it. But different style of football and it is a great and his success since that time. It's going to this team has played two games against op- opportunity for our team to see that style of be a good experience to play them in that we tion teams and they are old, experienced play. defense. do very similar things on offense and people. It will be a real challenge for us "They run a lot of different formations. They "We both have experience and both teams offensively to move the ball against them. ran a play action pass on fourth and one have people who know how to play. Illinois They were really tremendous last year against Virginia last year and had four receiv- defensively, the does some things, especially and now they have been able to come back ers wide open. It was a good play call. They way we do, and that helps us with learning and tie for the Big Ten championship. They will do things like that to really keep you on assignments and with picking up the tempo are the only team to defeat Colorado this year your toes. Griffith is an excellent running back.

of It is amazing that and speed the game. which is a major accomplishment. I looked at You know you're in high cotton when you can of staff went up and spent some our coaching the Colorado game pretty thoroughly because break some of Red Grange's records. I think some time with Illinois' staff last spring during they were down 17-3 and came back to win. John puts a lot of stock in him and wants to give the off-season. They got together to pick up That game showed that Illinois is as good as him the ball as much as he can. But they keep and share some ideas and lo and behold, here any team in the country. They started out this a good balance between running and throw- we are playing one another. season mighty young on offense and they ing. They will show us many different things

"Several of the NFL people I have talked to have done a great job after losing Jeff George. offensively."

5 1

September 22, 1979, just the third game of Pass Efficiency Defense Leaders point margin in Clemson's favor over the Hatfield's head coaching career. The next Cmp Int Yds/ TD course of a home season in Clemson history. Rk Team GP Pet Pet Att Pet Pts year in a game at Air Force, the two teams The previous record was +170 in 1950 when 1. Alabama 11 45.63 4.85 4.91 1.62 82.47 played to a 20-20 tie. the Tigers outscored the opposition 1 92-22 in 2. C. Michigan 11 44.64 5.19 5.06 2.08 83.60

3. Ball btate 1 46.96 6.88 5.38 1.62 83.74 four games. Clemson also had a +1 59 in 1 978

Clemson in Final NCAA Stats 4. Miami (OH) 1 43.44 6.15 5.44 3.28 O / .DJ (209-50) and a +154 at home in 1981, the

5. Texas 1 41.08 4.14 5.67 2.23 Ronald Williams, 26th in rushing, 91. 4 yards 87.78 national championship season. 6. Clemson 11 48.22 4.53 5.17 1.62 87.91 per game *Clemson scored 211 points at home the fifth 7. Tennessee 12 48.51 7.14 5.17 3.57 89.44 Davis, 14th in interceptions, 0.55 per Dexter B. Louisville 11 50.54 6.81 5.88 1.43 91.06 Clemson team to score 200 points at home. game 9. Fresno State 11 41.62 3.18 6.10 1.45 91.23 The record is 256 by the 1 987 team (8 games) Chris Gardocki, 4th in punting, 44.34 yards per with the 1983 team holding second at 246. punt Rushing Defense 'Clemson allowed just 155.5 yards a game at Rk Team Carr Chris Gardocki, 4th in field goals, 1.73 FG/ GP Yds Avq TD Yds/G home this season.

1 . Washington 11 392 735 1 .9 10 66.8 game *Duke and South Carolina were the only teams 2. Clemson 11 369 789 2.1 5 71.7 Chris Gardocki, 29th in scoring, 7.6 points per to gain over yards in total offense 3. Miami (FL) 11 387 877 2.3 7 79.7 200 against game 4. San Jose St. 11 410 916 2.2 9 83 3 Clemson at home this season. Duke had 218

Clemson team, 9th in rushing, 255.3 yards per 5. Florida 1 386 941 2.4 8 85.5 and South Carolina 248.

6. Alabama 1 402 1007 2.5 91 .5 game 6 'South Carolina gained the most rushing yards 7. Penn State 11 401 1 040 2.6 8 Clemson team, 1 1th in net punting, 37.9yards against Clemson in Death Valley this year, but 8. Iowa 11 392 2.8 14 99 5 per punt 9. C. Michigan 11 392 1097 2.8 2 99.7 that was just 85 yards. Clemson team, 21st in kickoff returns, 21.5 'No individual had a run over 20 yards against yards per return Scoring Defense Clemson at home this year. Leroy Gallman of

Clemson team, 34th in scoring, 27.5 points per Rk Team GP Pts Avg Duke had the longest run against Clemson in game 1 . Central Michigan 11 98 8.9 The Valley this year and it was just 18 yards. Clemson team, 2nd in rushing defense, 71 .7 2. Clemson 11 109 9.9 The longest pass play against Clemson was 3. Ball 11 yards per game State 121 11.0 just 43 yards, by South Carolina on a pass in 4. Alabama 11 127 11.5 Clemson team, 6th in passing efficiency de- the fourth quarter of the last home game. But, 5. Southern Miss. 11 141 12.8 fense, 87.89 points that was the only play over 25 yards against 6. Louisville 11 142 12.9 Clemson team, 1st in total defense, 216.9 Clemson in Death Valley all season. 7. Nebraska 11 147 13.4 yards per game 'Clemson gave up just six plays over 20 yards 8. Washington 11 150 13.6 Clemson team, 2nd in scoring defense, 9.9 at home all year, four were by South Carolina 9. Penn State 11 155 14.1 points per game in the final home game of the season. Clemson team, 8th in turnover margin, +1.2 *ln 80 possessions in Death Valley this year, Clemson in Death Valley turnovers per game the opposition picked up over 50 yards on a Here are some interesting facts about drive just twice. Appalachian State had a 59- Clemson at home this season Total Defense Leaders yard drive and North Carolina a 55-yard drive. Rk Team GP Plays Yds Avq TD Yds/G Opponents lost yardage on 15 possessions *Clemson's defense allowed just one touch- 1. Clemson 11 678 2386 3.5 10 216.9 and had three plays and a punt, or a turnover 2. Ball State 11 708 2449 3.5 12 222.6 down in Death Valley, the lowest figure since 47 times. 3. Alabama 11 711 2523 3.5 11 229.4 1948 when that club shut out the opposition 4 C. Michigan 11 681 2559 3.8 8 232.6 'Only two TDs were scored against Clemson 1 42-0 over the course of the season. This was 5. Florida 11 708 2834 4.0 17 257.6 all season at home, one on a four-yard run by just the second Clemson defense to allow 6. Louisville 11 737 2855 3.9 13 259.5 Mike Dingle of South Carolina and one on a or less at over the course 7. Nebraska 11 724 2898 4.0 16 263.5 one touchdown home 78-yard kickoff return by Leroy Gallman of 8 Auburn 11 738 3002 4.1 22 272.9 of the season. Duke on Sept. 29. 9. Miami (OH) 11 765 3036 4.0 26 276.0 *Clemson outscored the opposition 211-28

this season. The +183 margin is the largest

Obed Ariri holds the unusual distinction of playing in Clemson's only previous win over a Big 1 Team (vs. Ohio State in 1 978 Gator Bowl) and is the only Clemson football player to play in Tampa Stadium. But he did not play football for the Tigers in Tampa, he played in the final four of college soccer. Later, as a professional, he was a kicker for the Tampa Bay Bucs.

6 , 5

Clemson vs. the Big Ten Clemson in ACC Stats Rank Fiqure Clemson is 1-1 against the Big Ten and Clemson had just two players win ACC 14th Scoring offense 27.04 PPG Defense 15.36 both of the previous games have taken place statistical championships this year. Chris 9th Scoring PPG 6th Rushing Offense 239.15 YPG in bowl confrontations. Clemson downed Ohio Gardocki set a Clemson single season record 12th Rushing Defense 122.3 YPG State 17-15 in the 1978 Gator Bowl, while the with a 44.34 average and won the league 15th Total Defense 305.2 YPG Tigers lost to Minnesota in the 1 985 Indepen- punting title for the second straight year. Dexter 8th Turnover Margin +0.61 TPG dence Bowl, 20-13. Davis finished second to in in- Illinois is 2-3 against the ACC in its 100 terceptions per game, but led the league in Hatfield with Best First- Year Record years of football. This is just the sixth meeting total interceptions with six. Gardocki was also With the victory over South Carolina Ken with an ACC team for Illinois, but it will be the second in the league and tied for fourth in the Hatfield became the first Clemson coach to third time in the last four years the lllini have nation in field goals per game, while running win nine games in his first year. He breaks the played an ACC team. Just last year Illinois back Ronald Williams was second to Terry record of eight wins set by (8-4 in defeated Virginia in the Florida Citrus Bowl, Kirby in rushing with 91 .4 yards per game. 1 979) and (8-3-1 , 1 977). Hatfield's 31-21. In the opening game of 1987, North As far as team stats are concerned, winning percentage of .818 is the best by a Carolina stopped Illinois 34-14. North Caro- Clemson led the ACC in total defense, rushing Clemson first year coach since 1900 when lina also downed Illinois 27-0 in 1971 .while the defense, passing efficiency defense, scoring was 6-0. lllini split a pair with Duke. In 1958 Illinois defense and fewest first downs allowed per Hatfield is one of 21 coaches in their first 5- downed Duke 1 1 3, but seven years later the game. Offensively, Clemson led the ACC in year at a school at the Division I level. The Blue Devils were victorious 28-14. time of possession with a +5:26 minutes per former Arkansas coach is one of four coaches game. Clemson was second in rushing offense with at least nine wins in their first year on the Clemson in Florida Bowls to Virginia. The Cavs won that title by just 23 job. Nick Saban of Toledo (9-2), John Jenkins Clemson has won each of its last six bowl total yards. of Houston (10-1) and of Florida games played in the state of Florida. The (9-2), are the other first-year mentors with nine Tigers have won four straight bowls, all have Clemson in Tampa Stadium wins. been in Florida. The streak began with a 27- Clemson has a 2-2 record in Tampa Sta- 21 win over Stanford in the 1986 Gator Bowl. dium, the home of the Tampa Bay Bucs, but Top First-year Record of Clemson's Head That was followed by consecutive Citrus Bowl is in of the record not recorded the sport Coaches victories, 35-1 over Penn State in the Jan. 1 football. Twice Clemson's soccer team played

1 3-6 , 988 game and 1 in the Jan. 1 1 989 game in Tampa Stadium in the Final Four of college RKName Year PCI W-L

Oklahoma. year 1 against Last Clemson downed soccer. In 978 San Francisco beat the Tigers 1. Ken Hatfield 1990 .818 9-2 West Virginia 27-7 in the Gator Bowl. in the semifinals 2-1, but Clemson won the 2. Charley Pell 1977 .708 8-3-1 Clemson also won the 1981 National consolation game 6-2 over Philadelphia Tex- 3 Danny Ford 1979 .667 8-4

Championship with a 22- 1 5 win over Nebraska tile. The following year, Clemson downed 4. John Heisman 1900 1.000 6-0 6-2 in the Jan. 1 , 1 982 Orange Bowl, and downed Columbia in the semifinals 4-1 , but lost to SIU- 5. Edward Donahue 1917 .750 Ohio State 17-15 in the 1978 Gator Bowl. Edwardsville in the finals 3-2. 6. Frank Howard 1940 .722 6-2-1 5-2-1 Clemson last lost a Florida Bowl at the 1977 This will not be the first time a Clemson 7. 1923 .688 5-3-1 Gator Bowl, when Pittsburgh stopped the Ti- football player has played in Tampa Stadium. 8 1927 .611 9 1973 .455 5-6 gers 34-3. Overall, Clemson has won its last Obed Ariri, who played football and soccer for seven games in the state of Florida, but the Clemson in 1 978 and 1 979, played soccer for Clemson Players in the NFL Tigers have just an 11-11-1 lifetime record in the Tigers in the stadium in both those NCAA Fifteen former Clemson players are the Sunshine State. tournaments. He later kicked for the Tampa currently on NFL rosters, including 1 2 who are Clemson is 10-6 in bowl games and joins Bay Bucs for the 1984 season. considered starters. The Tigers are especially Florida State as the only team in the nation to Clemson's only appearance in an NFL sta- well represented on defense as nine of the 1 win bowl games in each of the last four seasons. dium still used by the NFL took place in 1 979. are defensive players. In fact, Clemson could Clemson has never won five straight bowl That year Clemson played Baylor in the Peach almost field a complete defensive team with games, in fact, no ACC team has done that. Bowl in Atlanta Fulton County Stadium, the the Perry brothers, Richard McCullough and home of the Falcons. Mike Singletary and the up front, Johnny Rembert at inside Clemson's Past Bowl Appearances Bears beat Clemson, 24-18. linebacker and a secondary composed of Rod McSwain, Terry Kinard, Delton Hall and Donnell Date Opponent Bowl Result Clemson High in Categories in the Eighties 6-3 Woolford. The following is a list of former 1-1-40 Boston Col. Cotton W. In recent statistics released by the NCAA, 1-1-49 W. 24-23 Clemson players currently with NFL teams: Missouri Gator Clemson ranked in the top 20 for the decade of 1-1-51 Miami (FL) Orange W. 15-14 the eighties in six different statistical catego- 1-1-52 Miami (FL) Gator L, 14-0 IN PRO FOOTBALL ries at the Division I level. Clemson ranked in 1-1-57 Colorado Orange L, 27-21 No. Name Starter Team Yrs the top 15 in the nation for the decade in 1-1-59 LSU Sugar L. 7-0 23 Rod McSwain New England 7 rushing, passing defense and total defense, 12-19-59 TCU Bluebonnet W, 23-7 52 Johnny Rembert * New England 8 and also had a top 10 ranking in turnover 12-30-77 Pittsburgh Gator L. 34-3 53 Jeff Bostic Washington 11 margin. Clemson had +0.61 turnovers per 12-29-78 Ohio State Gator W, 17-15 87 Jim Riggs Cincinnati 4 game for the decade (110-game period) for 12-31-79 Baylor Peach L, 24-18 35 Delton Hall Pittsburgh 4 1-1-82 Nebraska Orange W. 22-15 the eighth best figure in the nation. Clemson 34 Cleveland 6 * 12-21-85 Minnesota Independ. L. 20-13 gained 307 miscues and committed just 240 in 92 Michael D. Perry Cleveland 3 12-27-86 Stanford Gator W, 27-21 the decade. Here is a list of Clemson's rankings 27 Terry Kinard Houston 8 * 1-1-88 Penn State Citrus W. 35-10 nationally for the decade of the eighties. 21 Donnell Woolford Chicago 2 1-2-89 Oklahoma Citrus W, 13-6 72 William Perry Chicago 6 12-30-89 W. Virginia Gator W, 27-7 89 James Coley Chicago 2 9 David Treadwell Denver 2

7 Terry Smith (at left) set a Clemson freshman record for receptions and yardage, while Ronald Williams needs 60 yards vs. Illinois to set the Clemson freshman rushing record. He needs just 86 yards to reach 1,000 yards for the season.

96 R. McCullough Denver 2 three weeks into the season and would have liams and Derrick Witherspoon. * 77 Jeff Bryant Seattle 9 led the nation this year with a 30.7 average, but The only recent team that is close to this 43 Tracy Johnson * Atlanta 2 he did not have enough attempts to qualify. He young a squad was the 1985 Clemson team, missed two games due to injury and needed which had just 22 combined years of experi- Smith Has Record-Setting Season 11 returns to reach the minimum. He concluded ence and finished with a 6-6 record, Clemson's Clemson wide receiver Terry Smith set the regular season with 10, so he was one only non-winning season since 1976. By Clemson freshman records for receptions and short. comparison, last year's team had 34 years of receiving yards this season. The native of Thomas had his best game of the season combined experience over the top two teams (just the second native of Clemson in Clemson against Maryland, as he also had 69 receiving of skill position players. Clemson's 1 988 team 1 3 years to play for the Tigers) had 31 catches yards to go with the 98-yard kickoff return. He had 33 combined years and the national for 437 yards this season. The previous had a 37-yard reception on a third-and-seven championship team of 1 981 had 32 combined for 1 freshman record receptions was 9 by Ray play in the last quarter on the way to Clemson's years of experience in that area of the team. Williams in 1983. Williams also held the winning touchdown. When reflecting on the The youth did not keep the Tiger offense freshman yardage record with 342 that same season after the South Carolina game on down, however, as Clemson ranked ninth in year. November 17, Coach Ken Hatfield said that the country in rushing and averaged 27.5 Smith had nine catches for 84 yards against was the key play of the entire season. points per game, third best in the ACC. Maryland, single record for Tiger a game a The native of Hamlet, NC is one of Clemson's top eight rushers were all un- five freshman. The previous record was catches Clemson's finest all-around athletes. He is the derclassmen, and in fact, five of the top six by Terrance Roulhac against Georgia Tech in reigning 55-meter indoor ACC champion in were sophomores or freshmen. 1983. Smith's yardage figure not was a track and participated in both the NCAA indoor freshman record, however. Ray Williams had and outdoor track championships. He already Long Finalist for Outland Trophy 105 yards on four receptions against N.C. has been a part of six ACC championship Clemson offensive tackle Stacy Long was State that same season. teams at Clemson, four in track and two in one of three finalists for the Outland Trophy, Smith's nine catches tied for the sixth football. Thomas was also a fine baseball the award presented each year to the top in history, highest single game total Clemson player as a youth, he played in the Little lineman (offensive or defensive) in the nation. regardless of class. It was also the most League World Series in Williamsport, PA when The winner was announced on December 5, receptions by a Tiger since 1 981 . You have to he was 12-years-old. He is the cousin of as of Miami took the honor. go back to the 1981 Maryland game to find a Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Mike Quick. Clemson's Michael Dean Perry was a finalist higher single game total. had 10 in 1987. catches against the Terps that year. Clemson With Youngest Skill Players Since Long was a first-team Ail-American ac- 1943 cording to the Associated Press, UPI, the Thomas Sets Kickoff Return Record This year's Tiger offense features the Football Writers Association, Football News Terry not the only Tiger Smith was wide youngest group of skill position players since and Sporting News this year. He was a first- receiver to establish a Clemson record at the 1943 club. That team started nine fresh- team choice by The Sporting News in 1989, Maryland. Senior Doug Thomas, Smith's men on offense due to the limited use of and a third-team selection by AP. He has had running mate in the starting lineup, became personnel as a result of World War II. An ex- another fine season this year with an average the first Clemson player in history to return two amination of this year's depth chart shows that grade of 79 percent and 46 knockdown blocks. kickoffs for touchdown in a season and a Clemson has just 20 combined years of ex- The two-time ACC Lineman of the week is career. had pair of returns for He a 98-yard perience for the first two teams of the five Clemson's career leader in knockdown blocks in the 1990 regular touchdown season, one major skill positions (quarterback, tailback, by an offensive tackle with 133. against Long Beach State against and one fullback and two wide receiver positions). The "Stacy Long is one of the classic drive Maryland. Move over Rocket Ismail. Clemson attack features three freshmen at the blockers in all of collegefootball, " said Georgia led nation in kickoff returns Thomas the tailback slot with Rodney Blunt, Ronald Wil- Tech Head Coach . "He is tre-

8 Butkus Award finalist Levon Kirkland and AII-ACC tackle Vance Hammond are two of four Tigers currently on the Clemson roster who rank in the Top 10 in Clemson history in sacks.

mendously strong. When you look at him on Thus, Williams needs just 60 yards against it would be." film, the first thing that stands out is how quick, Illinois to break Allen's freshman record and "Gardocki is good enough to be the best in punting," how low and how aggressive he is coming off 86 to become Clemson's first freshman 1 , 000- the nation in both placekicking and the ball. Clemson has always had football yard rusher. said Virginia Head Coach George Welsh. "I just can't imagine anyone else in the country players who can do that, but I think Stacy Long First Year Freshmen First-Year or Red-shirt Fr. has to be one of the best they've had." that good." 1990 R. Williams 914 1987 T. Allen 973 "Chris Gardocki might be the best player in Harmon Sets Two Clemson Records 1973 K. Callicutt 505 1990 R. Williams 914 college football," said South Carolina coach 1979 C. McSwain 443 1983 K. Flowers 557 Clemson senior Eric Harmon deserves a Sparky Woods. "I don't know of any that do 1952 D. King 371 1973 K. Callicutt 505 more things so well for their team. He is a great lot of credit for Clemson's 9-2 season and 1980 E. Pickett 323 1951 B. George 453 number-nine national ranking in rushing of- 1975 W Jordan 223 1979 C. McSwain 443 kicker and punter." fense this year. The native of Camden, NJ is Gardocki has booted 69 straight extra points Clemson's leader in knockdown blocks this Gardocki in Top 10 Again and needs just two more to set a Clemson season with 68 and now has an all-time Clemson junior Chris Gardocki, the ultimate record for consecutive PATs. He established Clemson record 265 for his career. He broke football kicking weapon, finished in the top five seven Clemson records this season. John Phillips's record of 245 when he had nine in the nation in field goals and punting. It against Wake Forest on October 27. marked the second straight year he had finished Gardocki Ties Two Records, Sets Another Harmon also holds the Clemson record for in the top 10 in the nation in both categories. Clemson kicker Chris Gardocki tied two games started in a career, regardless of po- He is ranked fourth in the nation in punting and Clemson records against Georgia Tech, one sition. Now, that is an accomplishment for an is tied for fourth in the nation in field goals per on a single-game basis and one on a career offensive lineman considering the contact game. Last year he became just the second basis. The native of Stone Mountain, GA Harmon faces every week. He made his 46th player in NCAA history to rank in the top 1 in kicked four field goals in the win over Georgia career start against South Carolina and has the nation in punting and field goals in the to tie a Clemson single game record. He missed just one game in his career. He broke same season. Steve Little of Arkansas is the duplicated the feat against Georgia Tech, so the record of 44 starts by Rodney Williams only other player to do it, he was in the top four he had eight field goals in the two-game period. (1985-88).