Offensive Line

by Mickey Plyler - Radio Host - Aug 12, 2014, 5:53 AM

Offensive Line

During the preseason I travel across the region giving speeches to Clemson clubs to prepare them for the upcoming football season. Usually I have a pretty good feel for what kind of team they will be watching. The 2010 season was the one that I was completely wrong about. I thought that was an 8-4 or 9-3 football team, but they wound up 6-7.

This year's team is a little harder to read because of the key pieces that are missing from last season. Tajh BoydTajh Boyd
Quarterback (2009 - 2013)
#10 6-1, 225
Hampton, VA
View Full Profile and Sammy WatkinsSammy Watkins
Wide Receiver (2011 - 2013)
#2 6-1, 205
Fort Myers, FL
View Full Profile leave huge voids and there are question marks everywhere.

However, I think I am starting to get a feel for this football team. It is early in camp and there are several key questions still to be answered but this team is starting to take shape.

The offensive line is an area I am starting to feel better about. Today or tomorrow Isaiah BattleIsaiah Battle
Jr. Offensive Tackle
#79 6-7, 285
Brooklyn, NY
View Full Profile comes back from his injury and that should solidify the left tackle spot. In fact, I would consider Battle a strength and one of the best players on this front.

The biggest question mark coming into camp was right tackle. Shaq AnthonyShaq Anthony
RS Jr. Offensive Tackle
#76 6-4, 276
Williamston, SC
View Full Profile has been inconsistent and is suspended for the Georgia game. Joe GoreJoe Gore
RS Jr. Offensive Tackle
#73 6-5, 283
Lake Waccamaw, NC
View Full Profile came into fall camp as a player who has not been healthy throughout his career. However, he came into camp with something to prove and has been a bright spot so far. The staff feels comfortable with Gore.

With Gore taking over the right tackle spot this allows Kalon DavisKalon Davis
RS Sr. Offensive Guard
#67 6-5, 340
Chester, SC
View Full Profile to return to his position at guard. He is much better suited at guard and this turns his spot into a strength.

The other guard spot is a question mark for the Georgia game due to David BeasleyDavid Beasley
RS Sr. Offensive Guard
#68 6-4, 323
Columbus, GA
View Full Profile 's suspension. The staff has tried Eric MacLain there but at this point the story there may be the emergence of Tyrone CrowderTyrone Crowder
RS Fr. Offensive Guard
#55 6-2, 322
Marston, NC
View Full Profile . This redshirt freshman is incredibly strong and has the best flexibility on the offensive line. He plays with a little nastiness and provides a powerful run blocker for the power running game.

At center Ryan NortonRyan Norton
RS Jr. Offensive Line
#58 6-3, 292
Simpsonville, SC
View Full Profile returns and his consistency has him ahead of Jay GuillermoJay Guillermo
RS So. Center
#57 6-3, 314
Maryville, TN
View Full Profile . Norton provides experience and has been solid.

This line will be asked to do some different things this year. I think you will see more of a power running game this season. The running backs are bigger and I suspect we will see more of an emphasis on the running game this season.

Also the defense should be one of the best in the conference and the feeling is different than the past few years. Clemson's offense averaged over 40 points per game the last two seasons but the feeling was they needed to outscore the opponents. This season that may not be the case. I get the feeling that the Tigers can run the ball more and not have to rely on the vertical passing game to win.

In summary this offensive line is still a question mark but some answers are emerging. If this line can continue to develop I think this may one of the surprises of this team. Gore and Crowder have given reason to be excited about the potential front on offense.

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Defensive Tackle (2008 - 2011)
#98 6-2, 310
Thomasville, GA
View Full Profile , Alvin Sammons, Georgine McAlhaney, Glen Davis, Mike Price, Clay Childers, Aaron Knight, Danielle Johnston and family, Nicholas Abrams, Lana Kuykendall, Gary, Gary G., William Huggins, Jim Bennett, Chantz Fowler, Ethel McElveen, Michele Gurganus, William Gentry, Lewis Usher and Tanya Sanders, Shon Cooper, Nick Collins, Amanda Peake, Danny Hammond, Chip Turner, Nick Collins, Allen Steen, the Sturkey family, the Lance family, Nick Chrisley's family, Allison Williams, Lt. Kyle Walker, Summer and Joel Johnson, Nicole O'Donnell, James O. Johnson, Joy Pruett and family, Bill Schmidt, Jack Bailey, Gardner Family, Charles Turner, Kathy Bartholomew, Ray Sanders, David and Robin Blocker, J.R. Ray, Kenneth Kowe, Lauren Sielicki, Jenna Phipps, Mark Lawrence, Harlan Sullins, Peter Laboy, Kat and Carlisle Jones, Elizabeth Galloway and family, Anita McDonald, Willard Harryman, Liz Surratt, Molly Senn, Jackie Shearer, Richard Sellers, Tim Drisdelle, Edward Easterling, Dawson Bourne, Susan and Mike Brown, Julie Goodman Marshall, Willard and Dorothy Harryman, Justin Jernigan, Jack Cunningham, Mia Daughtery, Tee Senn, Jim Lanier, Bob Garrett, Skylar, Joseph Thomas, Mrs. Nelis, Jeanne Thompson, Sean Rowell, George Parker, Levon KirklandLevon Kirkland
Linebacker
# 0, 0
,
View Full Profile and family, Catherine Sewell, Randy Davenport, Patrick DeStefanoPatrick DeStefano
Offensive Line (2012 - 2013)
#71 6-5, 275
Spartanburg, SC
View Full Profile , David Vaughn, Keith Dalton, B.T., Bill Hilbig, Rita Elrod Hammond and family, Jim McKeller, Tony Alewine, Sharon Storck, Dick Baird, Mark Whiten, Richard Bagnal, Tavaris BarnesTavaris Barnes
RS Sr. Defensive End
#9 6-4, 273
Jacksonville, FL
View Full Profile and family, Dustin and Brittany Peurifoy, Jan Allan, Josh Cox, Tommy "Red" Harper, Gregg and Sylvia Lewis, Travis Hamrick, Jamey Glover, Kaki Harmon, Ron Moore, Brandy Stephens and our great country and the men and women in uniform that protect and serve it every day, plus their families.