Transitions in football, like in any other undertaking, can be bumpy. With new offensive coordinator Garrett Riley trying to shape his new scheme at Clemson, he'll have the added challenge of breaking in a new-ish quarterback in Cade Klubnik and a relatively inexperienced wide receiver room.
One huge benefit he'll have is an extremely experienced offensive line. The Tigers return four out of five starters from last year's unit. The only departure was left tackle Jordan McFadden, who was selected in the 5th round by the Chargers in this past April's NFL Draft. We had a chance to catch up with McFadden and got his take on who the starting five will be for Clemson on the offensive line.
“That’s tough,” said McFadden. “Tristan Leigh has done well at left tackle this spring. I came to a couple of practices and liked what I saw from him. Then, Marcus Tate at left guard who’s played since he was a freshman - played a ton of snaps. He’ll be a great player. Will Putnam has held it down pretty well at the center position. He’s a veteran guy that knows football - knows how to play the game. Walker Parks, another guy that’s played a ton of snaps and is ready to play, he’s a veteran guy. Blake Miller at right tackle. He started as a freshman last year. Freshman All-American, who has been working his tail off for year two.”
“While I know Clemson... the offensive line will be deep this year, they got a bunch of guys, freshmen and also guys that have been here, will be able to play this season. I feel confident in that five for sure, running out there first,” said McFadden.
Cover photo courtesy of Clemson Athletics
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