Three questions as Tigers offensive line searches for new mindset

CLEMSON — The Clemson offensive line has been looking for a new mindset.

The Tigers struggled mightily last season on the biggest stage. Against Ohio State in the College Football Playoff, they were held to under 50 rushing yards. And the Buckeyes defense reached Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence with pressure often coming at him.

The underwhelming performance displayed a larger problem — the depth of Clemson’s offensive line was concerning. Dabo Swinney and offensive line coach Robbie Caldwell used a five- or six-man rotation throughout last season. The result was the Tigers ranking No. 32 nationally in sacks allowed per game. The bigger issue — Clemson only rushed for 154 yard per game, its fewest since 2014.

“At the end of the day, we didn’t play as well as we were capable of playing and as well as we were required to play,” Clemson guard Matt Bockhorst said this spring. “Moving forward we’re really trying to instill that mindset that we need to get better and the team’s only going to go as far as we’re going to take them.”

Moving forward, the physicality is something that we really need to harp upon and improve upon. We’ve played on that level and played well, so we know we have the ability, but somewhere along the way maybe the mindset or motivation was lacking a little bit.”

Clemson exited the spring feeling confident that it has a deeper offensive line room than it did last fall. So, how will the Tigers fit all those pieces together as they aim to rebuild their offensive line? ClemsonSports.com is breaking it down.

Who will start at center?

Cade Stewart made the decision after last season to leave the program, opening up a starting center job on Clemson’s offensive line. Hunter Rayburn is expected to start at center, but nothing has been solidified yet. A redshirt sophomore from Pensacola, Florida, he was a top-500 recruit coming out of high school. He has only played 57 career snaps but has the talent to shine in the role. Redshirt sophomore Mason Trotter has exceed expectation and now is in the running to take snaps at center this fall, too. Ryan Linthicum is a true freshman and a natural center. Clemson hasn’t recruited a true center in a while, but Linthicum could be the starting center of the future.

Can Jordan McFadden fill Jackson Carman’s role?

Jackson Carman was drafted in April’s NFL Draft by the Cincinnati Bengals. A talented, versatile offensive lineman, he started at left tackle last season for the Tigers. Jordan McFadden was reliable in his role as right tackle but all signs point to him moving over to left tackle. Blocking the quarterback’s blind side comes with new responsibilities, most importantly keeping the quarterback safe. Carmen exceeded expectations in that role. McFadden is a redshirt junior and has appeared on preseason All-American teams. Expectations are high for the transition from McFadden to Carman, and if it goes smoothly, it could help for a strong start to D.J. Uiagalelei’s career.

What are realistic expectations for Clemson offensive line?

There’s no doubt that the offensive line as a whole has to improve after last season. But what are realistic expectations? Clemson recruits at a high level and that includes the offensive line. The Tigers have talent and believe in the depth they’ve procured. That said, Clemson probably isn’t going to win the Joe Moore Award. But helping keep D.J. Uiagalelei safe and comfortable in the pocket is a start. And helping Clemson’s revamped running game find holes is also crucial. Travis Etienne is off to the NFL, and creating opportunities for Lyn-J Dixon and the rest of the running back room will make sure Clemson’s offense stays dynamic.