If the new logos at a couple of my favorite sites are any indication, these SB Naiton rebrand is going to look great:
* [Over the Monter](http://www.overthemonster.com/2012/9/7/3299962/want-to-see-over-the-monsters-new-logo)
* [Shakin’ the Southland](http://www.shakinthesouthland.com/2012/9/7/3299693/site-redesign-coming)
What? Of course they baptize players at practice. That is how you bring a team together.
Dr. B with a rundown.
Dabo Swinney:
> “What [retiring athletic directory Terry Don Phillips] has done with the facilities in all our sports has been incredible. I know it hasn’t always been that way. He’s been persistent and he’s persevered. He has given us a chance to compete at the highest level from a facilities standpoint, a staff standpoint, contracts, all that stuff.
I remember listening to Tommy Bowden, during his second year at Clemson[^fn1], say that the football program will not take the next step until they get an indoor practice facility. Come December, that practice facility will exist.
[^fn1]: That would be 2000 for those counting along at home
He will stay on until they choose a replacement. President Barker hopes to have that replacement by June 2013.
From Shaking the Southland:
> Larry Williams publicly confirmed what we’ve been hearing for some time now, which is that Terry Don Phillips is expected to announce his retirement relatively soon and that he will stay on until his contract expires in June 2013. Associate AD and CFO Katie Hill is expected to retire and possibly return to Arkansas, but in any event she will not stay on when TDP leaves.
> …
> Obviously we support the Board on this one, and specifically the ones who pushed the hardest for this change in leadership.
I do too.
Dabo had to do this. Still, I hope it doesn’t send the season into an early tailspin.
Dabo gets another one.
The story of Daniel Rodriguez:
> Rodriguez served as an Army infantryman in both Iraq and Afghanistan from 2006-10. In October 2009, Rodriguez was wounded in the battle of Kamdesh after more than 400 Taliban insurgents stormed a small American base. Rodriguez took shrapnel in his legs and neck and a bullet fragment in his shoulder, but was awarded a Bronze Star of Valor and Purple Heart for his bravery in the fight.
I would say “well done Dabo,” but I bet this kid earned his spot. So, instead, well done Mr. Rodriguez. Well done.
That’s a good place I think. Not too much pressure early.
Clearly, Dabo can recruit.
He chose Clemson over Florida, Alabama, and LSU. Dabo is working some magic this year. I hope these guys all stay.
I have to give it to Dabo, he’s been pretty great on the recruiting trail. Since the All-In Cookout, there have been annnounced commitments from a couple of 4-star recuirts: [RB Tyshon Dye](http://www.orangeandwhite.com/news/2012/jul/21/size-power-speed-4-star-running-back-tyshon-dye-co/) and [WR Dearcus Robinson](http://www.orangeandwhite.com/news/2012/jul/20/four-star-wide-receiver-demarcus-robinson-commits/?partner=RSS)
So it begins. I cannot imagine this ending well.
Dabo Swiney and the rest of the Clemson staff have had a huge week out on the recruiting trail. Their verbal commitments include [Robert Nkemdiche](http://www.cbssports.com/collegefootball/recruiting/blog/eye-on-recruiting/19353710/nations-top-recruit-robert-nkemdiche-commits-to-clemson) (the overall number one rated recruit in the country), [Elijah Daniel](http://www.cbssports.com/collegefootball/recruiting/blog/eye-on-recruiting/19376058/clemson-lands-fourstar-defensive-end-elijah-daniel) (a four star defensive end), and [Dane Rogers](http://www.orangeandwhite.com/news/2012/jun/19/de-bonanza-shelby-nc-star-dane-rogers-commits-clem/?partner=RSS) (another four star defensive end.) It’s a very impressive class, but signing day is still pretty far away. I’m sure places like Alabama and Florida will make very strong pushes to get Nkemdiche to change his mind. Even if the Tigers do end up losing Nkemdiche, however, they could still end up with a very strong class if some of these other recruits end up sticking with the Tigers.