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Woodrow Dantzler

Clemson's signal caller ignores Heisman hype

CNNSI Host: Welcome to today's college football chat with Woodrow Dantzler. Welcome Woody and thanks for joining us.
Woodrow Dantzler: Thanks -- good to be here.

From Hornfans: Does coach Tommy Bowden mention national championship with you guys?
Woodrow Dantzler: What coach doesn't?

From Zach: Certainly, coach Bowden has proved to be a great coach in resurrecting the Clemson program, but is there anything in particular that separates him from other coaches?
Woodrow Dantzler: I don't know -- he's a little shorter than the average coach, I guess. He brought a discipline to this team, that it was lacking. That's one thing that has stood out. The talent was already here.

From Jeff in Florence, S.C.: How do you feel about the upcoming season offensively? Who do you think will come in and make an immediate impact to fill Rod Gardner's shoes?
Woodrow Dantzler: One man is not going to replace Rod Gardner. We're just going to see if the whole receiving corp comes forward -- it's not something one man can do.

From cutiger98: Woody, how do you feel the defense will respond this year with the loss of such stars as Keith Adams?
Woodrow Dantzler: I think there's a lot of no-names out there, so there's no pressure. So they can just go out and play.

From John W. Fields in Huntersville, N.C.: I am sure that it is hard to stay focused on academics and football with all the Heisman hype. What do you do to stay focused?
Woodrow Dantzler: I don't listen to it.

From JT in East Rutherford, N.J.: Woody, best of luck in the upcoming season. We're all pulling for you. Can you describe what it's like to run down the hill?
Woodrow Dantzler: No, I can't. It's a feeling you have to experience for yourself -- it can't be described.

From Stuart McAlister in Charlotte, N.C.: As a Clemson fan, I have enjoyed watching you over the years. Not only are you one of the most talented athletes I have ever seen at Clemson, but you are a classy individual. We are honored to have had you in a Clemson uniform. I am suspicious that some of the hype surrounding a few of the new recruits may affect their focus on the jobs they face. How have the coaches promoted you as a role model for these young men?
Woodrow Dantzler: Coaches shouldn't have to. As seniors, this is our team. This is our job to guide them and encourage them, not knock them down. It's something we've taken upon ourselves to do.

From Clark in Dacula, Ga.: Who will you dedicate the game ball to when you break the untouched NCAA 2,000 yards passing, 1,000 yard rushing barrier?
Woodrow Dantzler: Hmmm -- I don't know. Probably, I'll dedicate it to my Uncle Sinclair Dantzler. If it weren't for him I wouldn't be playing football now.

From judojake: Do you feel some of that old Clemson swagger is back, and are you ready to make visiting teams fear Death Valley?
Woodrow Dantzler: That's one of our goals, but I don't think we're where we need to be. We've worked all camp on getting to where we need to be.

From Kaz Caswell in Reston, Va.: Woody, how do you like your new receivers, particularly Ben Hall and the other tight ends?
Woodrow Dantzler: I don't know -- haven't practiced with him yet. I guess I'll find out tomorrow.

From UTS2001: What do you think of the plans Tommy Bowden has for the capital improvement project, and how that will help in recruiting?
Woodrow Dantzler: All that's good, I guess facilities are what draws people. But it's up to the team. If we don't win and produce, no one's going to want to come here.

From clemson1023: How different will the offense be under new offensive coordinator Brad Scott?
Woodrow Dantzler: Not much, pretty much the same offense with a few wrinkles.

From Towens: Hey Woodrow, which NFL team is your favorite, and do you see yourself being in the 2002 NFL draft?
Woodrow Dantzler: I don't have a favorite. I had a favorite player (Warren Moon), but he's no longer playing. I've never really had a favorite team. As far as the draft, I don't know. We'll see, God willing.

From John Herczogh in Washington: Woody, how badly does this team want to beat FSU? Now, I know how coaches preach about the entire schedule and this team and that team and not to overlook a school, but this year it comes down to Georgia Tech, FSU and South Carolina. Win and we're in the Rose Bowl. How special would a win over FSU be?
Woodrow Dantzler: It would be a great accomplishment.

From Bruce Lee in Greenville, S.C.: Do you think the coaches will call for you to run as much this year or stay in the pocket and throw to the new receivers?
Woodrow Dantzler: Don't know -- depends on how teams are going to play us. Won't know that until game time.

From quig: Woody how is your foot these days? Are you 100 percent?
Woodrow Dantzler: It's OK.

CNNSI Host: That's all the time we have today with Woodrow Dantzler. Woody, thanks for joining us and good luck this season.
Woodrow Dantzler: Thank you!

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