Where are we as a program and where are we headed (O.L.)

Dec 4, 2012, 1:44 PM

Offense:

Where are we:

OT: - In some ways, the lack of competition this year makes this a difficult evaluation. We looked good against most teams, but struggled against F.S.U. and USCe. That being said, F.S.U. and USCe have some of the best D.E.'s in the nation. Brandon Thomas is an interesting player, he gets the job done at LT, but he does not have the typical size of a LT, at 6'3 305. To put this in perspective lets take a look at the L.T.'s we played this season.

Auburn - Robinson - 6'5 - 311
Ball St. - Ramsey - 6'5 - 305
F.S.U. - Irving - 6'5 - 305
B.C. - Wetzel - 6'8 - 302
G.Tech - Beno - 6'2 - 295 (this is a totally different blocking scheme)
V. Tech - Painter - 6'6 - 305
Wake - Souza - 6'4 - 280
Duke - Hill - 6'6 - 290
U.M. - Maderas - 6'5 -290
N.C.ST - Crisp - 6'7 -312
USCe - Robinson - 6'8 - 340
LSU - Faulk - 6'6 -325

Thomas is shorter than everyone except for G. Tech's LT, and G.Tech runs a totally different scheme the focuses on smaller offensive linemen. There is a reason why L.T.'s are tall, and it has to do with arm length and general . Thomas played well this season, but he is not a prototypical L.T. Battle got some playing time, and played well for a true freshman, admittedly against weak competition.

RT - Giff Timothy stepped into L.T. this season and played well. He is excellent in the run game, and likes to get out and maul people. He struggles some in the pass game. He does not have the quickest feat, and has problems with the speed rush. Anthony also saw some playing time this season when Timothy was out with a knee injury. He is not as strong in the passing game, and not nearly as big, but he is more athletic, and better in the pass game.

Where are we headed:

For all the crying, stomping, and gnashing of teeth about not signing O.T. this season, Clemson has a bunch of young depth at the tackle positions.

O.T.:
Jones
Timothy
Gore
Antony
Battle
Thomas
Mac Lain

The question becomes, is it good depth. I'm inclined to think so. In fact, I would not be surprised to see Battle take over the L.T. position next season, and kick Thomas inside, to his more natural position. It will also be interesting to see if Mac Lain can gain enough weight to be a factor at L.T. next season. The R.T. position is far from settled as well, as Gore and Anthony may have a shot to unseat Timothy because of their athleticism. It depends on Gore and Anthony's ability to gain weight and strength in the offseason.

OG / C

Starting at the center, Freeman lived up to his billing, and was one of the better centers in the nation. He will be missed on the line next season. Ryan Norton did get some mop up duty, and did well against inferior competition.

The guard positions were a little more unsettled. Beasley received the majority of the playing time and was good in the run game, but a little slow in pass protection. Davis also saw some playing time, and was similar to Beasley, good in the run game and slow in the pass game. Shatley moved over from the defense, and immediately claimed a starting spot. I'm not sure what this says about our O.G. recruiting. Shatley is a mauler who plays hard but sometimes struggles with technique, again, he is better at run blocking than pass blocking. Norton also saw some time at guard and played well.

Where are we headed:

C: This position looks like Norton's to have. The coaches seem to like him. I haven't seen anything to make me doubt his ability. It would be nice if he added a little more weight and strength in the offseason. The only other option is Guillermo, who was a highly touted freshman who redshirted this season. If the coaches want Norton at guard, then Guillermo will step in at center.

OG: There is no shortage of options, and I'm not sure if either returning guard is a lock to start next season. The options are:

Shatley
Davis
Beasley
Maybank
Region
Thomas?
Norton?
Destephano
Webster

If Battle can make a move at OT, then Thomas is a lock at one of the guard spots. I think that is the best possible solution, and would strengthen the line. The other guard spot is up in the air. Shatley, Davis, Beasley, and Webster were all on the depth chart this season. Also, Region was a highly thought of prospect who might be in position to make a move if he can keep his weight under control. DeStephano is another option if he can gain some weight. I think the line will look like this next season:

LT - Battle / Thomas
LG - Thomas / Beasley
C - Norton / Guillermo
RG - Shatley / Davis
RT - Anthony / Timothy

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These are critical positions for any program and I generally agree with your comments. I don't like the fact we only have ONE OL signed for next year. I feel it is a position we should sign 3-6 every year.

Maybank will never see the field and should probably transfer if he ever wants to play. Region will never play until he drops those two watermelons he ate WHOLE. Timothy is a marginal OL and I do see Gore pushing him next year.

I think Caldwell is undoing some of the mess BS left us in but again, even with the best off-season possible under Batson, these guys will not be an elite group. Servicable and competent, yes. Dominant, no.

I think I'm the only one who has never been impressed with Dalton. I watch the OL a lot during games and while I think he aligns everyone and makes good calls on the LOS, I have never been impressed with his actual blocking skills. That is the major reason odd fronts gave us such trouble. I hope he moves on to a great NFL career though as we sure need to start putting some OL in the pros.

Where are we as a program and where are we headed (O.L.)

Feel good about our OL going forward then I have for a while

One thing is for sure

It sure is nice to have options and competition

Re: One thing is for sure- Norton played lots this year

Norton will be in the mix somewhere

Nice Post

This was the year to evaluate the job Caldwell has done

nice breakdown. can you assess the D line?

Look on page 2, I did that yesterday.***

Page 3 now***

Re: Where are we as a program and where are we headed (O.L.)

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