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Clemson head football coach Tommy Bowden was recently in Orangeburg at The Cinema to talk about the upcoming season with local Tiger fans. Before he did, Bowden talked with T&D Sports Writer Emery Glover about a number of topics.

Do you remember when you first saw Da’Quan Bowers? What do you remember from the first time you saw him?

I saw him in camp. He was in about ninth grade. It was his size and athleticism for a ninth-grader.

Your recruiting class was one of the best in the country. It is said that these recruits came because of you and your faith. How have you and your staff been able to put together this type of class?

Well, I think several things have to be involved. Number one, educationally, they have to feel comfortable that you have a plan for them to graduate. I think they have to feel comfortable that your team has a chance to win some games and compete for a championship. I think they have to like the environment of the school, a Christian atmosphere, the staff, position coach, facilities. There are several things involved when a young man makes a decision. That’s about five or six of them.

There are a lot of high expectations for the Clemson Tigers’ program this year. What do you think your team is capable of and what has to happen for you guys to have success this year?

Well, I think we probably have to take another little step up defensively and offensively as far as defense against the score and our offense scoring points. (Those) would be the main things.

There’s a lot of talk about the BCS and whether they’re going to adjust it, revamp it, or just go to a playoff system. Are you in favor of a “plus-one” system and why?

Yeah. I think the ACC voted for a “plus-one” and I think I did. I don’t think it’s the perfect answer. It’s the closest answer right now with the bowl system. We’ve been pretty pleased with our national champs in the last few years. So, it’s not like we need a “plus-one.” I don’t think there’s any controversy. LSU was the best team. So, what we’ve got is working pretty good. “Plus-one” defines it a little better.

Complete this sentence. In 2009, the Clemson football program will ...

... I think we’ll be very competitive in every game. You didn’t want me to pick a number of wins, did you?

n To see this interview in its entirety, log on to the Clemson section in Sports at www.TheTandD.com

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