Two Eastern Carolina products are drawing high praise from Clemson coach Tommy Bowden in their first season in orange and purple. Loris's Jonathan Willard and Cheraw's Jaron Brown were both singled out by Bowden over the weekend.
Bowden said of the LB Willard: "I originally had in the back of my mind that we were going to redshirt him, just because he's been a wrestler, and he's just so raw. He's a very aggressive player, you never know how a linebacker is going to act when he gets out in some situations. He hasn't eaten in four years because he's been a wrestler. He's going to be a huge guy."
Of the WR Jaron Brown: "He could be as good of a skill guy that we've signed since I've been here. He's got a great attitude, he's a great player. Six-two 197 pounds, he's got speed. He's got a little bit of Derrick Hamilton in him in terms of elusiveness. I'm really pleased with Jaron Brown."
Both players donned their uniforms this weekend for the Clemson Fan Appreciation Day at Death Valley. Willard says he's trying to get used to practicing 3 hours, instead of the 1 and a half that he used to at Loris. But he says that he's made some big plays in practice and he hopes he gets a chance to play this season.
Meanwhile, Brown says he's not too concerned about whether or not he gets red-shirted. He's enjoyed working under Clemson's great receivers - Aaron Kelly, Tyler Grisham and Jacoby Ford. It's odd that Bowden would compare him to Hamilton - a receiver that played his prep ball at Cheraw's rival, Dillon.

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