By Heath Bradley.

By Heath Bradley

CLEMSON – Clemson sophomore Adam Humphries has become somewhat of a “jack of all trades” for No. 9 Clemson. In last Thursday’s win at Wake Forest, Humphries started at wide receiver and caught two passes. He also returned three punts, and in the closing moments of the fourth quarter, recorded two tackles in 11 snaps at defensive back.

“That is just a great side effect of the game to actually get him in and get him playing,” Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney said. “Just getting him some experience at corner was huge for us.”

Humphries found himself on the defensive side of the ball due to injuries to starting cornerbacks Bashaud Breeland (abdominal strain), Darius Robinson (fractured ankle) and Garry Peters. Breeland and Peters are expected back by Saturday, while Robinson is out until the bowl game.

“He was kind of the answer to that crisis, and it worked out great that he was able to play,” Swinney said. “We kept it simple for him and we kind of told him individually what his job was in offensive terms because he gets it. He can just do his job.

“He can then relax and play ball. He understands. He has played five-coverage, cover 3, quarters, man-to-man and leverage. He understands that stuff. He played (defensive back) his whole life so it is not like it is a new experience.”

In his first time meeting with the media since his two way debut, Humphries joked about his “true” position on the field, telling reporters at this point in the season, his position was to do whatever was asked of him by the coaches.

“I guess I am a little bit of both,” he said. “Wherever they want me, I will go out there and play.”

A true team-first player, Humphries is willing to do whatever is asked of him. Swinney says he will at least practice both ways right now.

“He is a receiver,” the Clemson coach said. “But, we are going to keep working him like we did last week in individual and man-to-man. It’s really just about teaching him the fundamentals and coverage skills. He has the tackling because he plays special teams, but we want to keep developing or dusting off those skills from a coverage standpoint.”

Playing both ways is nothing new for Humphries, a player who excelled on both sides of the ball at nearby Dorman High School in Spartanburg, S.C., Humphries rarely left the field in high school.

“Going out there and playing so many positions is pretty cool,” he said.

Humphries noted the biggest difference between playing defense to offense is the mentality you take on every play.

“On defense you have to change your mindset. You are now trying to stop the ball, stop first downs, it is a lot different,” he said.

As the 2012 season continues, expect to see more of Humphries on the field. Whether it is on offense, defense, or special teams, his ability to make plays for the Tigers will land him on the field.

“He is incredibly valuable to us on the offensive scheme,” Swinney said. “He is very smart and knows what he is doing. We have a good plan for him… We may not need him the rest of the year, but at least he has played and we know we have another capable athlete that can go out there, compete and perform.

“We are going to keep working him, but hopefully Breeland, Peters and all of those guys can stay healthy and we are in pretty good shape. If not, we have to have a plan.”

No matter what the role, expect Humphries to give his all to help the Tigers to victory.

“I am just a fan of the game,” he said. “I am just trying to help the team win.”