Clemson Spring Practice: Updates on Offensive Line Injuries

Originally posted on FanNation All Clemson
By Christian Goeckel | Last updated 4/5/23

Walker Parks and Marcus Tate represent 24 starts on Clemson's offensive line in 2022. The two veteran linemen have been hampered by injuries this spring, but offensive line coach Thomas Austin has used the injuries as an opportunity to develop depth behind the presumptive starters.

“It has been good to get other guys a lot of reps and mix and match groups a little bit more… It’s been good for those young guys to get a lot of work,” said Austin. While it's been good to get some of the younger players some work, Clemson is counting on Parks and Tate to contribute in 2023. Austin provided an update on his two linemen, starting with Walker Parks and his ankle.

“I joked with Walker. All I see him do is lift, do treatment, and eat. I mean, he’s huge. He’s as strong as he’s ever been. Ya know he’s a guy that fights to keep [weight] on, so he’s been killing it… He’s a leader, so it’s been good to see other guys have to step into that role. He’s feeling good. I think he was like 90% on the AlterG [an anti-gravity treadmill] - running, straight-ahead running - the other day. There’s no pain in the ankle, it’s just a matter of stiffness… He’ll be full go in the summer.”

As for Marcus Tate, it sounds like he's a little bit closer to being back. “Marcus, he went through indy the last couple of days. He looked really good today doing some change of direction stuff. He’s a guy that if you were going to go play in a game on April 15th, he may be able to go a little bit, ya know? He’s close. He’s very close.”

This article first appeared on FanNation All Clemson and was syndicated with permission.

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