Clemson RB Spiller, QB Harper bothered by injuries

From NCAA College Football Information & Resource

October 17, 2008

Tigers will miss Spiller against Ga. Tech.

Clemson running back C.J. Spiller will not play Saturday against Georgia Tech because of a pulled hamstring while quarterback Cullen Harper will be undergoing surgery to repair a fracture on his left shoulder.

Spiller, who is one half of the "Thunder-and-Lightning" combo at the Tiger camp, got hurt in Clemson's recent loss to No.21 Wake Forest. He has been kept out of workouts this week but may return in time for the trip to Chestnut Hill in the Nov.1 Boston College game.

The talented running back who was hyped at the start of this season, is surprisingly yet to record a 100-yard game this year. His highest thus far is his 98-yard output in the 3-point loss to Maryland. For the year, he has tallied 314 rushing yards and five scoring runs on 48 carries.

Meanwhile on the quarterback scenario, the Tigers could be in limbo after Harper sustained a shoulder injury against the Demon Deacons. Despite being recently demoted, Harper was still expected to play a significant role as back-up to Willy Korn.

Harper did not say when he will be having the surgery, only that he will be available against the Yellow Jackets.

Outside Korn and Harper, the only other quarterback not redshirting this season is sophomore Michael Wade, the team's designated holder for place-kicks. He has yet to throw a pass at Clemson.

Another option for interim coach Dabo Swinney is activating redshirt freshman Kyle Parker.

“All options are on the table,” Swinney said. “We’ve got seven games to try to go win and create the type of program we want to have."

Aside from Spiller, other injured Tigers ruled questionable for the Tech game include linemen Cory Lambert (foot) and Barry Humphries (knee). Wide receiver Tyler Grisham (sprained ankle) and guard Mason Cloy (sprained knee) are both probable.

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