Putting on the pads definitely bumped up the intensity, especially for the linemen. The defensive line seemed to control Day 3 of fall camp at Clemson, and defensive ends Kevin Dodd and Shaq Lawson both had good days.

“It is kind of hard to evaluate the D-Line and the O-line without the pads. The only thing you can see is if they are athletic or not,” Dodd said. “Basically, we brought the physical part to the game once we got the pads on.”

Venables said the biggest improvement he needs to see out of his defensive backfield is consistency. Yesterday, cornerback Mark Fields and safety T.J. Green recorded interceptions, while cornerback Ryan Carter recorded an interception in both the first and second practices of camp.

“Just being consistent, you’ve got to be a good tackler, have a disciplined eye, and be in good position,” Venables said.

“It’s about who is the most consistent and we have about three weeks to figure it out so you don’t want to rush to add judgment one way or another,” he continued.

Wide receiver Charone Peake feels great this season. He says he has gained about 10 pounds of muscle since last year.

“I’m taking advantage of what I have now and I feel fine. I feel really healthy. I’m hundred percent now, so I’m good. I’m confident,” he said.  “I want to get better at after the catch. I want to make a lot of guys miss.”

The older receivers are still mentoring newcomers, Deon Cain and Ray Ray McCloud.

“We’re going to need them when the season starts. We’re kind of taking them under our wings and taking good care of them. They came in really mature though, so it helps us out a lot,” Peake said.

When asked if this receiving corps had the most depth that Peake has seen in his time at Clemson, he replied, “Most definitely.”

“We have probably about eight, nine, ten guys that can go play.”

Wide receiver Mike Williams talked about how much weight he has put on since he first came to Clemson. He said he came in about 190 pounds and now weighs around 213-215.

“I’m about where I want to be, just get stronger and faster,” said Williams.

“Ever since last year, I was pushing myself everyday at practice. Everyday you’ve got to get better,” said Williams.

Williams is also impressed by what he has seen out of Cain, McCloud, and Shadell Bell.

“All the new freshmen, they’re looking really good. Shadell came in early, so he was already kind of ahead. But just knowing that Deon and Ray Ray were only here for a few days for camp, they’re making a lot of plays out there.”

Williams also mentioned cornerback Cordrea Tankersley has gotten really good.

“He has gotten pretty good. He’s a long DB,” said Williams. “I’ve got to work with a lot of technique against him.”

The team now has one more day left of practicing in shoulder pads, helmets and shorts until they go out to full pads on Saturday. Clemson will practice today at 4:10 p.m.