This is how much you should worry about the LT position

Jun 30, 2015, 9:47 AM

Not one bit. At least as far as the starter goes. I know, I know. You can't have a true freshman start at such a vital position. He doesn't weigh enough. He was playing in high school a year ago. Blah. Blah. Blah.

First, let me admit I live in his hometown so I am pulling for him especially hard. I have witnessed many of his high school exploits first hand and had conversations with folks that have seen him in practice. Mitch is not your normal freshman in any sense of the word.

Normal freshman don't dominate the #1 rated high school DL in the nation - as a sophomore. Dominated to the point that RN was moved to another position so he wouldn't face Mitch. Normal freshman OL don't play basketball in high school. While he wouldn't be considered a basketball prospect, watching him set picks made me smile. He wanted contact. He needed contact. And he also beat most big guys down the floor as well. A normal freshman dominated high school competition with ease and does not learn a work ethic until reaching college. After completing in high school practices, Mitch spent several days a week with a personal speed trainer (a big reason he doesn't weigh more). He has looked past high school for quite a while.

His athletic gifts are nice. I have no worries about LT for two additional reasons. First, his humbleness. Mitch never let his gifts go to his head. To be literally the big guy on campus, Mitch never acted like he was something special. While some of you waited ... and waited for him to announce where he was attending college, anyone who saw him at school that day already knew. He not only wore a Clemson shirt, but he wore one with a message that describes him perfectly - A Clemson man needs no introduction. Finally, Mitch has an aggression on the field that separates him from normal athletes. I feel sorry for the DEs he will face this year. Please continue to doubt him. It will only add more fuel to his considerable fire.

Clemson has had a number of offensive players recently that did not need a last name: CJ, Tajh, Nuk, Sammy. In short time, you can add another to the list. Just call him Mitch.

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The concern is more on the depth than Mitch's capability. Being as highly rated as he is and the fact he did pretty well against Lawson in the Spring game (which is not an easy guy to play snaps against), he'll be fine and just have some early growing pains as he transitions in...not enough though that he won't mostly hold his own. But the issue is you have to hope Mitch stays healthy all year long, because the guys behind him aren't has highly rated and skilled, so there will likely be some drop off when he's taken out of play for rest or if he gets even a minor injury that costs playing time.

People were just more comfortable with Battle being there, and having someone as strong as Mitch to be in the second level, vs Mitch being the first level and the second being questionable. In the original scenario, say Mitch did beat out Battle, that still leaves a strong experienced guy at second string. Now it's going to be a young, inexperienced, and potentially less skilled player.

This is how much you should worry about the LT position

I dont know much about this Mitch guy

We worry about depth. Mitch can get hurt like anyone else.***

Agreed with this^^

Re: This is how much you should worry about the LT position

Experience.......

Re: This is how much you should worry about the LT position

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