CLEMSON — Freshman tailback Jamie Harper’s status remains uncertain after sustaining a sprained lower left ankle Saturday following a “horse-collar” tackle from behind by linebacker Brandon Maye.

Harper was in a yellow no-contact jersey Monday, but wasn’t on crutches.

He has broken the ankle twice before — in seventh grade and in 10th grade, fracturing it in two places the second time.

“I’ve already been through the process, so I’ll come back a little harder and a little stronger this time,” he said.

Harper is one of the biggest pieces of Clemson’s Class of 2008 and is expected to play a large role behind starters James Davis and C.J. Spiller. He had been impressive during preseason workouts, but his availability for Aug. 30’s Georgia Dome opener against Alabama is uncertain.

“It’s pretty much too early to tell,” he said. “But I’m going through all the training, all the coming in early and working through the pain and trying to get back as early as possible.”

Harper says most of the process is mental. He isn’t using crutches because he believes working the ankle will help it come back healthier and sooner.

“It’s worse if you baby it,” he said, “so I stay on it as much as I can, I ice it down and do everything I’m supposed to do.

DT ROTATION

Sophomore Jarvis Jenkins said he and junior Jamie Cumbie are rotating with the first team defense in place of senior Rashaad Jackson, who is out until midseason following surgery to repair a torn knee tendon.

Cumbie is battling through a broken right hand — he’s wearing a large wrap during practices — but Jenkins says the injury has actually improved Cumbie’s game.

“Actually, when Jamie hurt his hand, his pad level got better,” Jenkins said. “He’s really using that hand a little bit better that he first did. He’s actually becoming a better player. He’s not focusing on the hand as much as he had been. I know it’s still hurting him, but he’s a better player.”

Offensive line set

Bowden and offensive line coach Brad Scott have settled on a starting five of left tackle Chris Hairston, left guard Jamarcus Grant, center Thomas Austin, right guard Barry Humphries and right tackle Cory Lambert. Bowden said Cloy, a redshirt freshman, is the third guard right now and has “separated himself” from fellow freshman Wilson Norris.

Alabama prep

After a final scrimmage today, Clemson’s players will have the day off Wednesday for the first day of classes while the staff starts game-planning for the Crimson Tide.

WALKING WOUNDED

Harper and junior defensive end Kevin Alexander were the only players limited during Monday’s first practice. Alexander was in a yellow jersey while recovering from a mild staph infection.