Dabo Swinney explains decision to mix-up offensive line starters

Dabo Swinney is confident in his group of offensive linemen ahead of the 2022 football season. According to the head coach, the issue Clemson is having along the OL is whittling down the lineup. The Tigers are mixing and matching pieces along their offensive front, trying to figure out which combination of guys is most effective.

So there’s been plenty of workshopping. Moving guys around positionally, testing out true freshmen, etc. Swinney just says, “well, we’re just trying to get the best five,” which he told media the other day. But then, even after five, the Tigers want depth, according to their head coach.

“I told you all earlier we got to find out who’s the best five. Who’s six, who’s seven, who’s eight. Kind of build it from there. But Walker [Parks], it’s really not about Walker as much as it is Blake Miller. Who’s the fifth-best guy? Is it Blake [Miller], is it Tucker? You know Mitchell [Mayes] has been out. He’ll hopefully be back Monday. He hadn’t been able to practice most of the week in protocol. So he’ll be back.”

The battle for Clemson right now apparently is finding a fifth starter to go along with the other four.

“So who’s the fifth best guy? And depending on who that is, we got flexibility. If it means moving Walker to guard — if Blake’s the fifth best guy, he’s more comfortable at tackle right now — then that’s what we do. So Walker’s a natural, man. I mean he could play anywhere he wanted to play. He’s a really really good football player.

“So we’ve mixed it up as far as who the first five is. I think today we kept it fairly consistent. But we got a good idea as far as the guys we think will be ready to play. I mean, I really feel good about our group. I think we’re still trying — who’s that first five? Because there’s competition for that. I think that’s great. But, you know, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, eleven — I think we have 11 and a half guys that I would trust pretty good right now.”

As the Tigers try to find a fifth starter, though, Swinney has noticed that his club has some impressive depth along the offensive line.

“Hopefully, by the time we get to game day, we’ll be, you know, maybe 12. It’s a much more veteran group. We’ve got two true freshmen and both of those guys will help us. I can tell you all right now they both gonna play, and they’re both gonna help us. They’ve proven that, been here since January. They’re ready.”

Lastly, Dabo Swinney wrapped up his OL comments by saying:

“Just more functionality, more competition, more guys that are capable of competing. And that’s making us better.”