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All-TigerNet [13190]
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Where are we as a program and where are we headed (O.L.)
Dec 4, 2012, 1:44 PM
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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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Orange Blooded [2507]
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Feel good about our OL going forward then I have for a while
Dec 4, 2012, 1:53 PM
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Aside from the SC game, which I put on Morris moreso then the OL, they've played very very well for having 3 new starters and 4 guys at new positions what with Thomas moving over to LT. How long have we been griping about our OL not being able to get that 3rd and shot or 1 critical yard? This year we got it like clockwork. I'm seeing Cladwell's influence here as even against FSU and SC we ran the ball very well, Morris just got away from it which is when both games began to turn on us. Our OGs are brutal and love putting people on their butts. Out OT's also looked good in the run game but need more time and experience at pass pro. I like our numbers here as well as the toughness that seems to be improving.
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Legend [19678]
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One thing is for sure
Dec 4, 2012, 1:55 PM
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in closing with SCU and LSU this year, and opening with Jawja next year, physicality is going to be needed and stressed. I'd expect these 15 bowl practices and spring practice to be the most physical in many years. work in nutrition and the weight room will be more important than ever.
I think Norton will be more physical than Dalton if he gets his weight up, and he has a mean streak. Shatley should be much better with a full year under his belt and he does hit people. I'd love to see Battle emerge and Brandon move to guard as that is his best position, but Battle has to get much stronger and refine his footwork. RT, IMO is up for grabs. Timothy lacks athleticism, and needs to greatly improve his agility. Joe Gore is the guy to watch there
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All-TigerNet [13190]
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It sure is nice to have options and competition
Dec 4, 2012, 2:02 PM
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The days are gone when you can walk into Clemson as a freshman, start, and be comfortable in your job for 4 years.
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CU Medallion [67818]
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Re: One thing is for sure- Norton played lots this year
Dec 4, 2012, 2:32 PM
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some at center but probably 25 % of the snaps at guard. he will be ready to play eoiither guard or center. It spoke well he was about the first guy to rotate in as a second teamer
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All-TigerNet [13190]
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Norton will be in the mix somewhere
Dec 4, 2012, 2:50 PM
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It probably depends on how Guillermo does in the offseason. If he does well he Norton plays guard, otherwise Norton plays center.
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Orange Blooded [2760]
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Nice Post
Dec 4, 2012, 2:59 PM
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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.
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Orange Blooded [2519]
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This was the year to evaluate the job Caldwell has done
Dec 4, 2012, 4:26 PM
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and he has done well. THere was no drop off on OL play overall from last yr. Maybe a shift from being better at pass pro to more run blocking. That came mostly from upgrading the guards, and losing Price at tackle.
I expect next yr's OL to be better just form experience and depth. If Tajh and Nuk stay and one of the rb's steps up a bit, the offense will be scary good.
Uga loses a lot of defense, so we have a leg up there in the opener.
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110%er [6098]
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nice breakdown. can you assess the D line?
Dec 4, 2012, 4:31 PM
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This is a big concern for me.
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All-TigerNet [13190]
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Look on page 2, I did that yesterday.***
Dec 4, 2012, 4:38 PM
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All-TigerNet [13190]
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Page 3 now***
Dec 4, 2012, 4:39 PM
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Team Captain [464]
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Re: Where are we as a program and where are we headed (O.L.)
Dec 4, 2012, 4:39 PM
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Well done man. I saved your post in a Word Document so I will not pay for any pre-season magazines or website previews. Heres a +1 for saving me $6.95.
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Replies: 11
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