Dabo Swinney predicts heavy battle at left guard, entire offensive line for Clemson

As Clemson prepares for its season opener against LSU, much of the starting offensive line has already been cemented. One position that hasn’t been? Left guard.

That’s where Harris Sewell and Collin Sadler have been fighting each other for the starting job throughout fall camp. Coach Dabo Swinney isn’t ready to declare a winner just yet.

“It’s a battle,” Swinney said. “I mean those guys are just, I don’t see any form or fashion that those first seven guys aren’t going to play. They’re all going to play.””

Clemson has some serious horsepower in the trenches, led by starting right tackle Blake Miller. He’s expected to be a potential all-conference candidate, while left tackle Tristan Leigh, right guard Walker Parks and center Ryan Linthicum all bring a good measure of experience to the table.

As for that left guard spot, though, it’s still up in the air. It might remain so for a couple more weeks.

“It’s just too close,” Swinney said. “They’re all really good players. But obviously five will run out there. We’ll figure that out as we get closer to the game, but I’m really pleased with that group.”

Clemson working hoops star into the fold

The Tigers are getting help from an unexpected source this fall: a former basketball player. Ian Schieffelin has donned the pads and is suiting up at tight end.

Clemson has just started practicing with pads on in fall camp, which Swinney believed would tell him a lot about Schieffelin’s toughness. So far, the coach has been nothing but impressed.

“He’s trending in the right direction,” Swinney said. “I’m really pleased with him. I knew we just had to get to pads. You know he’s an athlete, you know all that stuff, but how’s he gonna take to the pads? He just looks like he’s a natural. We got some technique things to clean up — playing a little lower and stuff like that — but he’s physical.

“It just comes natural to him. He’s willing, he’s not afraid and he’s really improved. He’s getting better every day. I’m very pleased with his progress.”

On3’s Chandler Vessels also contributed to this report.