GRANITEVILLE — Clemson's Prowl and Growl Coaches' Tour made its seventh stop in a monthlong trek across South Carolina and North Carolina on Thursday evening.
Head football coach Dabo Swinney and head basketball coach Brad Brownell were on hand to sign autographs and field questions from CSRA fans at Aiken Technical College.
Swinney and Brownell both cherished the opportunity the tour has given them to connect with fans of all ages who showed up to meet the coaching duo. Three-year-old Liam Corley, who hopes to one day play for Clemson, was on hand to get Swinney to sign his helmet and a jersey of his favorite player, New Orleans Saints draft pick Stephone Anthony. Corley also got an autographed poster from Brownell.
"It's a good opportunity for Dabo and I to really thank fans one-on-one for all they do for us in terms of coming to games and supporting our university," Brownell said of the Prowl and Growl Tour. "We've had very good turnouts and a lot of enthusiasm."
Swinney echoed Brownell's feelings, adding that the Aiken area is especially deserving of the attention.
"They come to us all the time. This gives us an opportunity to come where they are," Swinney said. "Aiken, in particular, has been a great area for Clemson for many, many years, so it's a lot of good memories down here."
Part of Swinney's good fortunes in Aiken have come on the recruiting trail. Swinney has landed a couple of stars from the area to add to his football team, including two players he expects to be key contributors this season - Cordrea Tankersley and Taylor Hearn.
Tankersley, a cornerback who attended Silver Bluff High School, is the starter at cornerback after spring. Tankersley saw action in all 13 games last season and recorded 12 total tackles. He was listed as the starter after spring camp last season, but Garry Peters ended up earning the role before the season.
"He (Tankersley) had a good year for us last year. He's got a bright future in front of him - great young man," Swinney said.
Williston-Elko grad Hearn was in attendance at the event. After a redshirt season, Hearn will be the second team left guard.
"We think ... he has a really bright future. He's behind a senior, so he's got a lot of opportunities coming his way."
Also along the O-Line
Before going off to sign autographs, Swinney did shed some light on one of the other spots along the offensive line. Center Jay Guillermo did not participate in spring practice for the Tigers, but is making progress, according to Swinney. However, there is still no timetable for the rising redshirt junior to return. "He's doing well with the things he's trying to take care of. We're hopeful that he'll be back with us at some point this summer, but we still don't know," Swinney said.
Scoring more on the hardwood
Brownell said his focus going into the next season is shooting the ball better. He plans to address the issue both in recruiting and player development. The work has already started after the disappointing end to last season when the Tigers lost seven of their last 10 games to finish 16-15.
"We've got to make more shots from the perimeter if we're going to be successful," Brownell said. "I like the way our team has come together in the Spring. I think we've worked them really hard. I think our guys are very focused and hungry."
Eric Russell is a sports reporter for the Aiken Standard. Follow him on Twitter @EricJ_Russell.