Defense still rules in scrimmage

The offense is catching up, but the Tigers' defensive squad continues to dominate in preseason practices. And remember, our defense is supposed to be our weak spot this year.

RECEIVER WISDOM: The Greenville News examines Clemson's young group of receivers, who will be shouldering a lot of the burden following graduations and the early departure of Derrick Hamilton.

NOODLE'S SOUR GRAPES: Speaking of Hamilton, The State has an interesting story about his decision to jump to the NFL a year early. The receiver, who was a third-round pick of the San Francisco 49ers, claims he got little or no support from Clemson coach Tommy Bowden. (Defensive lineman Donnell Washington, who also left early, apparently feels the same way.)

Bowden disputes those claims. He says he only had good things to tell the NFL scouts about Hamilton and points out that his public criticism of Hamilton's decision to leave early was based on the fact that the young man was making a mistake that was going to cost him millions of dollars.

I agree with the coach on this one. Hamilton screwed up, perhaps realizes that now, and he's bitching about it to the media from the safety of the West Coast -- including childish sniping about who won which awards at the post-season football banquet in January.

Derrick, you were one of the all-time great Tigers, and I wish you well in your pro career. But this whining is not your finest hour.

SEASON PREVIEW: Something called the Sports Network has a season preview for Clemson.

NEW VIDEOS POSTED: The Tiger Rag has put up video highlights from the 1997-99 era at Clemson. Check it out.