AUGUST CAMP: Mitchell Mayes Update
By: Paul Strelow
Clemson’s preseason camp is in motion as focus shifts toward preparing for the Sept. 12 season opener at Wake Forest.
In this August Camp series, Tigerillustrated.com divulges the latest developments with specific players as they seek to solidify spots on the coaching staff’s internal depth chart and game plan.
MITCHELL MAYES
Height: 6-4
Weight: 300
Year: Freshman
Position: Offensive line
WHAT WE ARE HEARING
Half of Clemson’s six offensive line signees reported in January and walked into spots on the two-deep for spring practice.
Of the three, our returns pointed to Mayes as the most ready to contribute in the near future.
Highly regarded true freshman Mitchell Mayes was the latest in a line of recruiting victories for Clemson in the state of North Carolina last winter. (Clemson Athletics)
Mayes arrived at Clemson with a frame comparable to redshirt sophomore Jordan McFadden. Several programs projected Mayes to play guard during the recruiting process. But he’s big enough to play tackle in a scheme like Clemson’s that utilizes a considerable amount of zone blocking, and his skill set is more adept for tackle.
Mayes lined up at left tackle during spring practices and has started August camp at that spot, too.
FOCAL POINTS
Per our sources, one area in which Mayes differentiates himself is his attention to detail. As with most linemen, there’s a lot to learn and adapt to in the transition from high school to college offensive line. But if you can understand and apply nuance -- that’s a tool that tends to translate at the position.
He is down about five pounds since arriving on campus, although more attention has been given to redefining his body than adding or subtracting weight.
Mayes was not asked to do much standard pass protection in high school, so the footwork and balance required will obviously be a work in progress. He also has worked to bring his lower-body strength up to speed with his more advanced upper body.
OUR SEASON OUTLOOK FOR MAYES
Barring a change in circumstances, the belief is that Mayes will avoid redshirt and be used this season.
The math alone probably dictates Clemson play two of its tackle signees because there aren’t other reliable or promising options behind projected starters McFadden and Jackson Carman. Maybe redshirt junior Blake Vinson, but that remains to be seen upon his return from another serious injury.
Mayes is one of four newcomers who could play tackle, along with Walker Parks, Paul Tchio and John Williams. Mayes and Tchio got the spring head start, and our sense is that Mayes is a bit ahead technically. We’ve bet strongly that Parks will play, too, on talent alone.
The wild card here, though, is that both Parks and Mayes are working as left tackles – and Clemson will need a second-string right tackle from among the freshmen. Yet we also wouldn’t rule out Parks sliding over and maybe even challenging McFadden for first-team snaps at right tackle before all is said and done this season.
FROM THE TIGER FAN SHOP: Click HERE to check out all of our inventory, plus early summer DEALS on officially-licensed CLEMSON apparel!
By: Paul Strelow
Clemson’s preseason camp is in motion as focus shifts toward preparing for the Sept. 12 season opener at Wake Forest.
In this August Camp series, Tigerillustrated.com divulges the latest developments with specific players as they seek to solidify spots on the coaching staff’s internal depth chart and game plan.
MITCHELL MAYES
Height: 6-4
Weight: 300
Year: Freshman
Position: Offensive line
WHAT WE ARE HEARING
Half of Clemson’s six offensive line signees reported in January and walked into spots on the two-deep for spring practice.
Of the three, our returns pointed to Mayes as the most ready to contribute in the near future.
Highly regarded true freshman Mitchell Mayes was the latest in a line of recruiting victories for Clemson in the state of North Carolina last winter. (Clemson Athletics)
Mayes arrived at Clemson with a frame comparable to redshirt sophomore Jordan McFadden. Several programs projected Mayes to play guard during the recruiting process. But he’s big enough to play tackle in a scheme like Clemson’s that utilizes a considerable amount of zone blocking, and his skill set is more adept for tackle.
Mayes lined up at left tackle during spring practices and has started August camp at that spot, too.
FOCAL POINTS
Per our sources, one area in which Mayes differentiates himself is his attention to detail. As with most linemen, there’s a lot to learn and adapt to in the transition from high school to college offensive line. But if you can understand and apply nuance -- that’s a tool that tends to translate at the position.
He is down about five pounds since arriving on campus, although more attention has been given to redefining his body than adding or subtracting weight.
Mayes was not asked to do much standard pass protection in high school, so the footwork and balance required will obviously be a work in progress. He also has worked to bring his lower-body strength up to speed with his more advanced upper body.
OUR SEASON OUTLOOK FOR MAYES
Barring a change in circumstances, the belief is that Mayes will avoid redshirt and be used this season.
The math alone probably dictates Clemson play two of its tackle signees because there aren’t other reliable or promising options behind projected starters McFadden and Jackson Carman. Maybe redshirt junior Blake Vinson, but that remains to be seen upon his return from another serious injury.
Mayes is one of four newcomers who could play tackle, along with Walker Parks, Paul Tchio and John Williams. Mayes and Tchio got the spring head start, and our sense is that Mayes is a bit ahead technically. We’ve bet strongly that Parks will play, too, on talent alone.
The wild card here, though, is that both Parks and Mayes are working as left tackles – and Clemson will need a second-string right tackle from among the freshmen. Yet we also wouldn’t rule out Parks sliding over and maybe even challenging McFadden for first-team snaps at right tackle before all is said and done this season.
FROM THE TIGER FAN SHOP: Click HERE to check out all of our inventory, plus early summer DEALS on officially-licensed CLEMSON apparel!
