Clemson Notebook: Kelly still improving

CLEMSON — Wednesday’s practice in temperatures that surpassed 100 degrees was just another day at the office for Clemson wide receiver Aaron Kelly.

The All-ACC wide-out caught everything that was thrown his way, made some good blocks, and oh by the way; he had a nice 44-yard catch-and-run for a touchdown during a situational scrimmage.

“He has always been fairly confident, and he has always been very consistent and has always been a really good practice player,” Clemson coach Tommy Bowden said.

Kelly has even improved some with his blocking, which has been the only knock on the 6-foot-5, 190-pound senior.

“I haven’t heard him getting yelled at (by wide receivers coach Dabo Swinney) as much this preseason as I did in the past,” Bowden said. “Maybe that’s a sign that he is doing a lot more things right.”

Kelly has done very little wrong since taking over the role as the Tigers’ go-to receiver last season. In his first season as the primary target in Clemson’s wide-open offense, Kelly caught 88 passes for 1,081 yards, including a school record 11 touchdowns. His totals were a dramatic increase from the 30 receptions for 355 yards and three scores he produced in his sophomore year.

“He has always done a lot of things right, and to have the kind of year he did last year, you have to be a pretty good player,” Bowden said.

Heading into this season, Kelly is on the verge of breaking several Clemson records, including the oldest major record in the book — Glenn Smith’s 18 career touchdowns, set in 1951. Kelly currently has 16 career touchdown receptions.

“I don’t think he will be able to do anything that is going to jump out at you and catch your attention other than the fact of making big plays,” Bowden said. “As far as his work habit, and if he has had a good day, he has had a lot of good days.”

Kelly (165) needs just three receptions to become Clemson’s all-time leader in that category and 53 to become the ACC’s all-time leader.

Bowden’s main concern through the first six practices is his team’s lack of vocal leadership on defense, especially along the front. He is surprised to see no one along the front four has stepped up, considering there is no experience leadership at the linebacking position.

“The defensive staff is yelling at them hard on the field to pursue and everything, but against Alabama, you have to take the coaches off. I’m looking for on the field leadership that can make the team play at a higher level,” he said.

Bowden has been pleased with the effort inside linebacker Brandon Maye has made in trying to become that leader, but until the redshirt freshman plays in a game, he is more or less just wearing his voice out.

“Players usually don’t listen to guys that haven’t played,” Bowden said. “Now that’s not saying they will not eventually, but a leader is usually a guy that has invested a lot and has been productive. We have some guys up there, but they are not overly vocal.”

Four players missed practice because of injury. Wide receiver Jacoby Ford was upgraded to a green jersey and should be back to full speed by Saturday’s first scrimmage. Starting tight end Michael Palmer missed practice with a pulled hamstring. Offensive tackle David Smith was still out with a dislocated toe, while wide receiver Xavier Dye (Byrnes) was in a green jersey as he attempts to get back on the field after suffering a bruised shoulder. The only player not at practice was Rendrick Taylor, who was excused from practice so he could attend to some personal matters.

Live kicking has not been good in practice so Bowden announced field goal kicking, along with the punting duties, is open for anyone to take. The Clemson coach said kicker Mark Buchholz looked good Wednesday after struggling with a few of his kicks in Tuesday’s practice. … Bowden on true freshman running back Jamie Harper, “ You can see the presence of a 230-235-pound guy hitting that hole as opposed to 200 or 210. It is just a bigger presence up in there.” … Cornerback Chris Chancellor had an interception during skeleton drills. … Clemson will have its first two-a-day practice session Thursday.