CLEMSON – Freshman quarterback Tajh Boyd smiled as he recalled a commentator referring to his friend, and fellow Clemson freshman, Bryce McNeal as a “string-bean.”

The 6-foot-2, 170-pound McNeal joined Boyd as one of the prizes of Clemson’s 2009 recruiting class, arriving on campus looking very much like a coat-hanger.

Three months later, the hours in Joey Batson’s weight program are beginning to pay dividends. McNeal, who earned the nickname “Spidey” in high school due to an obsession with the comic book hero Spiderman, walked off the practice fields this week looking to have added strength and some bulk.

Clemson receivers coach Jeff Scott is looking forward to getting McNeal’s web hands on the field next season.

“You can tell looking at his body he is getting stronger,” Scott said. “He’s one guy I have come over and coach-up. He is someone we look forward to getting in the spring.”

Scott said McNeal has rare separation ability.

Possessing 4.4 speed, Scott said McNeal can stick his foot in the ground and change direction without breaking stride. It gives McNeal a chance to be an excellent route runner, and Scott said he is very coachable.

What can Brown do for Clemson?

While McNeal is gifted, Scott said Jaron Brown is the Clemson receiver with the most upside on the roster.

The 6-foot-2, 195-pound freshman flashed explosive running-after-the-catch ability against Coastal Carolina on Saturday, making six defenders miss on an 18-yard touchdown reception, the first of his career. While Brown’s performance has been uneven this season, it’s the kind of athletic play Scott said he has seen often in practice this season.

Brown was uneven again Saturday, mistiming a jump and losing a jump-ball to a Big South defensive back.

“He usually does a real good job of that,” Scott said. “That was a surprise. … Talk to any of our defense guys, a lot of times [Brown] goes up and make that play.”

Scott said Brown has been slow to learn plays and read defensive coverages – but on raw ability Scott said Brown can run a post and beat any Clemson defender.

Andrews affect?

Might Florida State’s much-maligned defense see a pick up in production Saturday by using long-time defensive coordinator Mickey Andrews’ retirement as a rallying cry?

Clemson coach Dabo Swinney experienced a similar situation as a player at Alabama when Pat Dye retired prior to the Auburn game during Swinney’s senior season.

“I’m sure it has an emotional effect,” Swinney said. “[But] the game is played by the players.”

Bowden praises Clemson

Florida State coach Bobby Bowden said Clemson is the best team Florida State has faced this season. While Bowden isn’t going to give Clemson any bulletin-board material, Clemson does have the best pass defense the Seminoles have encountered. The Tigers are allowing an ACC-low 146 passing yards per game, and have a league-high 15 interceptions. Florida State is second in passing yards per game (307).

Injury updates

Bowden said Wednesday quarterback Christian Ponder (bruised ribs) is throwing in practice but was been held out of team drills. “I think he’ll be OK for Saturday,” Bowden said. …. Clemson tight end Michael Palmer (concussion) went through practice Wednesday and appears to be on track for Saturday’s game. Da’Quan Bowers (knee sprain) did not practice Wednesday, though he was walking without crutches. Said Swinney: “I would say he is out.”

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