Friday May 02, 2008

Friday E-Mail Bag

Friday E-Mail Bag
Each Friday I publish your comments and answer your questions. To submit a comment or questions please e-mail me at mickeyplyler@hotmail.com.

Hey Mickey,

Mark

Mark,
Craig Loston of Aldine, TX did commit to Clemson Wednesday afternoon. He is a terrific prospect. I think he is one of the best open field tacklers I have seen in the last few seasons. When Loston hits you, you stay hit. This is a major pick-up for this program. I think we could see Loston start as a freshman. He will have a good opportunity since Clemens and Hamlin are graduating this season.

Mickey,
I've seen this topic occasionally on the Tigernet Board, and wanted to discuss again.
Is Clemson in a position now or the near future to add 2 new sports? If so, what would the sports be?
My guesses would be:

Lacrosse hasn't really taken hold in the South yet, so recruiting would be tough initially. We'd have to take our lumps from UNC, DOOK, MD, and UVA. Long-term, I believe it could draw a decent following.
The women's side is even more interesting. Golf seems the obvious choice since facilities would be in place. Softball, however, could develop a large following with some success.
What's your thoughts? Also, refresh our memories ... what were the most recent sports added at Clemson for both women and men, and when were they started?
JAF

JAF,
I don’t think there are any plans to add sports at this time. Clemson has not added a men’s sport since soccer was added in the seventies. Wrestling was actually terminated in the early 1990s.

Clemson added women’s soccer in the nineties and added rowing after that so rowing is the youngest sport at Clemson. The reason rowing was added was because of Title IX. Rowing a bunch of participants and they needed a high female participation sport.

I would love to see Clemson start a women’s golf program but that will not happen anytime soon. I really don’t see any men’s sports added in the next few years. Unfortunately the budget will not allow it.

Mickey
I thought we had recruited some studs in golf that we going to make Clemson competitive and in the top 10 again but we have gone the other way?
It seems the entire program has gone downhill since we won the NC and the facilities have gotten better.
What gives?
cufan

cufan,
I am baffled by the lack of success in golf. Larry Penley has signed some of the best players in the country but for some reason they seem to be in a funk. This is a young team but I am disappointed in the season so far. I think confidence may be the biggest factor and this group has not gotten a big win to gain that confidence. I still think this team may do something in the regionals or NCAA finals though.

Mickey,
The baseball decline began slowly a few years ago. Leggett's pitching has been average for many years. Since, he inherited the big three from Wilhelm he has not had but one stellar pitcher, Benson. Most of his pitchers do not make it past the fifth inning. When has Leggett recruited a pitcher that strikes fear in the opposing team? Also, the media tends to overlook the fact that other teams have won more ACC titles than him. Wake Forest, Florida State, and Georgia Tech have won three ACC titles and he has won one title with his own players and that took almost 12 years. He won one title with Wilhelm's players. It now can be argued that South Carolina and North Carolina have passed him by in talent and recognition. Losing 7 out of 8 to USC is revealing. Yes, he should get credit for his wins but the expansion of the tournament helped him and Clemson's bidding helped with securing the regionals. Remember, luck is the residue of a great plan! Remember, in the CWS against USC Leggett promised Clemson would be ready! Clemson was humbled by USC and Leggett took all the fun out of that trip. He would not let his players talk to the media. That fact cannot be ignored and reveals a deeper understanding of Leggett's mindset that just may hurt his program. I do not believe he should be terminated but let’s not bestow greatness upon him unless he wins a national championship.

Sincerely,
Jeffrey

Jeffrey,
While you make valid points on some cases, I still trust Jack with this program. I still believe that he will get it back to where he had it in the past. I still think he has the passion to persevere.

Hello Mickey,

Kirk

Kirk,
I totally disagree. Paterno has been at Penn State forever and he has had to rebuild. Bowden at FSU has had to do it as well. Things happen within a program and sometimes you have to rebuild. Attrition, injuries, academics, etc. mean rebuilding sometimes. If this was not the case then explain losing seasons at baseball powers like Texas, Oklahoma State and LSU. Sometimes things happen.

Mickey,
If I remember correctly, last year it was said that our O-line was down some on talent, but not to fret because our incoming line was a big upgrade. Now this year our line is a big question mark in everyone’s mind . Is this because of the development of these kids is not up to par or is it that they were never that good? I'm wondering if our line Coach is as good as advertised ? This is also an observation to get you excited, Wilson Norris has an attitude and plays with one. I watched him for 3 years in high school and he is the type of lineman that blindsides LB's 10 yards down the field and chuckles. He does not shy away from contact. I believe that he will be a player people remember after he is gone and this says a lot talking about an O-lineman.

Thanks for your blog and show,
Randy

Randy,
Thanks for the e-mail. Last year the staff went with three seniors in Richardson, Capote and McDuffie so they have to be replaced. Unfortunately the offensive line is a place that takes a couple of years of experience. I think this group will be better but they will not lose anyone and the 2009 group could be special.

I still would rather have a great running back and a good offensive line. The back can make good look great.

Mickey:

Jimbo

Jimbo,
Clemson actually will have two more next season. He was the best available athlete and was a high character guy. This staff has done a terrific job at evaluating and I would trust them. They will not have any issues with numbers for the next class either. Anytime you get a player in the late signing period you are gambling so they went with character here.

Mickey,
Please give us your prediction on the wins and losses for Clemson football in '08. I'm still not sold on TB but I get fussed at when I make any anti-Tommy comments. But....I will say this - if we win less than 10 games and are not in the ACCCG, it will be almost sinful.

Rick

Rick,
I think 10 wins is about right but I don’t see anyone on the schedule that Clemson will be underdogs to at this point. This might be one of those special seasons.

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