CLEMSON — Clemson football started spring practice Friday behind the Allen Reeves Football Complex.

The media was allowed to watch the first seven periods of Friday’s practice. Here are some observations from watching the defense.

–You could tell the energy was different on the defensive side of the ball. New defensive coordinator Tom Allen used a microphone the entire practice, as he yelled instructions to is players and defensive coaches. He watched every unit and let his coaches coach their individual position groups.

–Where the energy was mostly noticeable was with new linebackers coach Ben Boulware. He was very in your face with his players. He yelled at his players telling them to run when they do their drills, and “not this weak ass little jog.”

–Boulware also got into defensive tackle Vic Burley’s ear when they had rotating coaching from each of the defensive coaches. He told Burley to basically not play soft, except he did not say that as nicely.

–Later in practice, while now working with his position group, Boulware told new linebacker Jeremiah Alexander, “It looks like you have been a defensive end before.”

–Defensive end coach Chris Rumph got all over Darien Mayo during one drill and so did defensive end T.J. Parker. Mayo was not doing a sled drill properly and Rumph jumped all over him.

“Y’all are making cookies out here today,” Rumph said.

“Look at your feet, Mayo,” he yelled.

“This is unacceptable,” he yelled a few moments later and made the defensive ends do up-downs.

“I want you to see my face on the slay,” he yelled to Mayo later.

–Alexander looked slim and smooth in his drills. He did not look like he was 240 pounds, but more like 230.

–Defensive tackle Peter Woods also looked slim. It was obvious he lost a lot of weight.

–Defensive end Will Heldt seem comfortable working with Rumph, especially when working on the sleds.

–Heldt also worked on punt protection. He worked as an up-man with Woods.

–Punter Jack Smith looked a little nervous at first, as he shanked the first two punts of practice. However, he settled in and finished well.

–Fellow punter Will McCune came out banging his punts and looked good the entire time we were able to watch.

—photo courtesy of Dawson Powers