ESPN: Offseason spotlight on Clemson OL |
From Heather Dinich of ESPN:
2011 summary: The senior-laden group comprised of
Phillip Price RS Sr. Offensive Tackle #79 6-5, 315 Dillon, SC View Full Profile
,
Brandon Thomas RS So. Offensive Line #63 6-3, 300 Spartanburg, SC View Full Profile
,
Dalton Freeman RS Jr. Offensive Line #55 6-5, 285 Pelion, SC View Full Profile
,
Antoine McClain Sr. Offensive Guard #74 6-6, 335 Anniston, AL View Full Profile
and
Landon Walker Gr. Offensive Tackle #72 6-6, 305 North Wilkesboro, NC View Full Profile
fared remarkably well with a new offensive line coach, a new offensive coordinator, a first-year starting quarterback, and a new system. The Tigers paved the way for the nation’s No. 24 scoring offense at 33.57 points per game. They were integral in blocking for a 1,000-yard rusher (
Andre Ellington RS Jr. Running Back #23 5-10, 190 Moncks Corner, SC View Full Profile
), 1,000-yard receiver (
Sammy Watkins Fr. Wide Receiver #2 6-1, 200 Fort Myers, FL View Full Profile
) and 3,000-yard passer (
Tajh Boyd RS So. Quarterback #10 6-1, 225 Hampton, VA The skinny: You can argue the defensive line needs an equally big offseason, but consider this: At this time in 2008, coming off of the 2007 season, Clemson ranked in the top 25 and had
James Davis Running Back # 6-0, 205 Atlanta, GA View Full Profile
,
C.J. Spiller Pro Running Back #28 5-11, 195 Lake Butler, FL View Full Profile
, Cullen Harper and Aaron Kelly — all of whom were returning from fantastic seasons. The Tigers were a top-10 preseason pick, but had to replace four starters on the offensive line. Clemson finished 7-6 and midway through the season, Tommy Bowden was fired. Even with all of those outstanding skill position players returning, Clemson couldn’t get it done up front, and it was a major factor in the team’s implosion that year. This spring, the Tigers have to replace three starters up front, as Freeman and Thompson are the only two returning starters. The staff moved
Tyler Shatley RS So. Defensive Tackle #43 6-3, 295 Icard, NC View Full Profile
from defensive tackle to offensive guard. He’s a 6-foot-3, 295-pound redshirt junior who is a quick athlete and could play a role in 2012.
Phillip Price
Brandon Thomas
Dalton Freeman
Antoine McClain
Landon Walker
Andre Ellington
Sammy Watkins
Tajh Boyd
James Davis
C.J. Spiller
Tyler Shatley
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