By Eric Sprott (Contact / Staff Bio)
March 25, 2008 - 12:14 a.m. EST

CLEMSON — Clemson head coach Tommy Bowden announced some shakeups in the Tigers’ backfield following practice Monday afternoon that raised a few eyebrows.

The biggest news is that rising senior All-ACC tailback James Davis will be out for the remainder of spring practice with a shoulder injury he sustained in the Tigers’ March 13 scrimmage.

Following Davis’ collision with defensive back Chris Clemons that caused the injury, Clemson had the following week off for spring break, and it was decided it’d be best for Davis to rest when he was reevaluated on Monday.

Davis has had shoulder issues off and on throughout his Clemson career, but it isn’t expected he will need surgery.

Also on Monday, it was announced Rendrick Taylor will move back to offense at running back after starting spring practice at linebacker.

Bowden said the former wide receiver, who was fourth on the team in receptions last season with 25, never quite fit in on the defensive side of the ball, and is more comfortable as a playmaker on offense.

“Right now, he needs the ball in his hands,” he said. “I think he feels more comfortable with a ball in his hands.”

The 6-foot-2-inch, 242-pound senior had trouble reading opposing offenses during the brief experiment. But with his build, Bowden said it was only natural to try him at the position.

“Sometimes you never know unless you throw them in there,” he said. “He just wasn’t very instinctive in there, and that’s a tough position to play.”

“He looks like a linebacker, but as I mentioned, that’s a very instinctive position.”

Taylor, who has carried the ball out of the backfield on several occasions during games, will have his work cut out for him if remains at his new position. He’ll immediately be playing behind Davis and C.J. Spiller, who have both earned All-ACC honors during their time at Clemson.

He’ll also have competition from incoming freshmen Jamie Harper and Andre Ellington, who are among the top running back recruits in the nation.

But still, Bowden wants to give Taylor a shot, as it may be the best position for Taylor to have a chance in the NFL given his unusual build.

But if he ever wants to go back to receiver, the option is open.

“We know he can play wideout. He can always go out there and play wideout, so let’s see if we can help him out,” Bowden said.

Injury update. Linebacker Stanley Hunter was in a green jersey Monday afternoon, signifying limited action, but is expected to be at full strength for Wednesday’s practice.

Hunter suffered an epileptic seizure several weeks ago, but is expected to be cleared for action by his doctor today.

Wide receiver Jacoby Ford was still in a green jersey Monday, while freshman linebacker Tarik Rollins sported a yellow jersey for no contact. He is expected to be upgraded to limited contact sometime next week.

Special attention. The Tigers changed up their normal special teams routine on Monday. Instead of practicing live punt returns to start practice, newly-named special teams coordinator Andre’ Powell held four sessions at various points in practice to test them at varying levels of fatigue.