Fall Camp Preview: Battle at Center Crucial for Clemson

Football season is almost upon us.

Fall camp set to begin the first week in August and all eyes will be on an offense that needs to take a big step in year number two under Garrett Riley.

While the growth of quarterback Cade Klubnik will certainly be one of the top storylines as we head towards the season opener against Georgia in Atlanta, improvement along the offensive line could be just as crucial.

After a 2023 season that was littered with inconsistencies up front, Dabo Swinney replaced Thomas Austin with Matt Luke, a coach well-known for development. Fortunately for Luke, Clemson does return a lot of experience at four of the five starting positions.

Tha one position that is open? Center. It is arguably the most important position up front. So important, in fact, that Swinney revealed after the spring that the Tigers considered adding a center via the portal. However, after seeing what Ryan Linthicum and Harris Sewell, as well as Trent Howard, were able to accomplish during the spring, Swinney elected to stick with what he had.

“Honestly there was really only one spot on our team that we felt like, because there was not necessarily a gap in age but just experience, and that was at center,” Swinney said. “And we looked at a couple guys but we really wanted to get through this spring. But man, we really love what Ryan Linthicum did. That kid has been there for three years. We really love what we saw out of him, and Harris Sewell , who ended up starting as a freshman for us last year. This kid has his whole career.”

Swinney named Linthicum as having the edge heading into the spring game, but an injury early in the contest kept Linthicum from playing much. Sewell would end up getting most of the snaps that day.

Although, despite saying Linthicum was ahead of the pack, Swinney said he still wanted to see the redshirt junior commit himself to being the best he possibly can be throughout the summer months.

“I want to see transformation in some areas of his commitment if you will,” Swinney said. “I want his body to be in the best possible place. If he puts the work in I think we’ll all like the work. He’s certainly capable.”

It’s a battle that could rage on throughout fall camp, but with the Dawgs serving as the opening opponent, it’s one of the more important position battles that is set to take place.

A limited number of signed footballs from Clemson’s 2022 class are still available.  Get yours while supplies last!  Visit Clemson Variety & Frame or purchase online!