Landon Walker is the leader not only of this line, but a leader for this entire football team. Walker is also the reason that this line will come together to be the pillar of this offense. Walker has organized and led this offensive line to get in better shape to be ready for the fast pace that Coach Morris demands. Get ready for a great year from Landon!
McClain has been a starter for most of his career, but he will be challenged this year, not by another player, but by the conditioning. McClain has always had the most trouble keeping his weight down, and it will be interesting to see how he does with this new offense. McClain is a mauler in the run game and should eventually play in the NFL.
Freeman is the other leader on this line. When Coach Morris was first hired, it was Freeman and Walker that sought him out prior to spring practice to glean information about his offense. Freeman has started for almost two years now, and is the clear leader at the center position.
Smith is a very versatile player that will more than likely end up playing guard this year. But since we are analyzing this line based on the end of the spring, Smith is the current starter heading into the summer. Smith is a great guard, but his services may be needed at left tackle.
The left tackle position was supposed to be held down by Brandon Thomas. But given his play during spring practice, Thomas lost the job to former walk-on tight end, Phillip Price. This is not a knock on Price. Price very well could be our left tackle heading into the year. He has added 50 pounds at Dabo's suggestion and beat out Thomas for the job. This should be a very interesting battle to watch throughout summer practice.
Mason Cloy is listed here because he could be the starter at left guard, should David Smith move to LT.
Cloy has played both Guard and Center and is very versatile. He can step in and play either guard position and is essentially a starter.
Final Analysis.
Ok... So my opinion is that the OL will look like this at the end of summer camp.
Left Tackle: David Smith
Left Guard: Mason Cloy
Center: Dalton Freeman
Right Guard: Antoine McClain
Right Tackle: Landon Walker
The hire of Robbie Caldwell to coach this offensive line was one of the smartest hires Dabo made this year. I love the attitude and toughness that Caldwell demands from his line! Caldwell also wants his best players on the field, and the players listed above are the best we have. This line could be very dominant, but it all depends on the depth. The starters have tons of experience, but the backups... Not so much. Backup left tackle is listed as Brandon Thomas. Thomas needs to step his game up to match his talent level. He takes plays off and got dominated in the spring game by freshman DE, Corey Crawford. Backup left guards will be Kalon Davis. (Lots of upside here) If something happens to Freeman, Cloy is the man at Center. Right guard will be backed up by career backup, Matt Sanders. Sanders Should be solid as a backup. Backup RT is a question mark. Gifford Timothy is listed as the backup, but Phillip Price could move over if David Smith is the starter at the end of practice.
This O Line should be good due to the continuance and experience in the starting lineup, and I have a lot of faith in Coach Caldwell to get the backups ready to play. I am very excited about watching this line under this coaching staff!
Clemson Depth Chart from Rivals.com
http://vmedia.rivals.com/uploads/911/1088928.pdf
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