Thursday Spring Practice Insider & Freshmen Nuggets - Part II
By: Larry Williams & Paul Strelow
In the leadup to Clemson's opening spring practice Wednesday, we wrote that freshmen midyear enrollees Collin Sadler and Blake Miller were the most advanced offensive linemen the Tigers have brought in since perhaps Mitch Hyatt seven years ago.
To play as a newcomer, there typically has to be both talent and opportunity.
We expressed sentiment beforehand that we projected Sadler and Miller as the heirs apparent at left and right tackle, respectively.
The fact that Miller already lined up as the second-team right tackle behind junior starter Walker Parks stood as firm evidence that he factors into the coaching staff's thinking for this season.
Sadler began as third-team left tackle behind senior starter Jordan McFadden and redshirt freshman Tristan Leigh.
Highly-regarded true freshman offensive lineman Collin Sadler is shown here Wednesday with student-coach and former Tiger offensive lineman Hunter Rayburn. (Tigerillustrated.com)
Our belief is that the disposition of Sadler and Miller, in addition to the physical tools, will fast-track them into the rotation.
Sadler, in particular, offers the versatility to be plugged in as a candidate to play tackle, guard or even eventually be groomed as a center if need dictated.
He lists at 290 pounds on the roster. But our understanding is that Sadler is now pushing 310, and the staff is more than fine with it. He has minimal body fat, carries the weight well and looks as if there's room for more.
Dabo Swinney publicly reaffirmed Wednesday what we first laid out for subscribers in December -- Clemson is in the market for a transfer portal offensive lineman with vast starting experience, preferably at a high level.
Whether they target one or two is fluid, he said -- and we would pin that to how the coaches feel about their options once spring ball has finished.
We believe the development and trajectory of Miller and Sadler over the next month figure to be a leading influence in that decision. -- PAUL STRELOW
Staying on the offensive line theme, our primary object of interest yesterday was watching Thomas Austin go through his first official paces as the head of the group.
The typical practice routine for the team is to conduct its flex period inside, followed by the position groups dispersing outside. The offensive line always goes to an area behind the indoor practice facility where it proceeds through various footwork drills under the close watch of the line coach.
For years, that coach was Robbie Caldwell. And the stylistic difference between Austin and his predecessor is striking.
Caldwell was more the drill-sergeant type, showing little patience for lapses in technique. While there are certainly merits to this approach, it's probably safe to say it wore on some guys over time.
Austin favors much more the kindler, gentler approach. And though one could conclude that he's easing into things as this major transition takes place, it's also important to note that's just who he is as a person -- deliberate, good-natured, even-keeled.
Four-star true freshman offensive lineman Blake Miller. (Tigerillustrated.com)
After Austin returned to his alma mater from Georgia State, some of the initial reviews we heard of him included the fact that he relates well to the younger players of today.
That doesn't mean he's afraid to tear into someone when the situation calls for it, or that he's some shrinking violet in general.
But the volume is going to be lower in general, and that could be a good thing in some ways. -- LARRY WILLIAMS
SHOP for officially-licensed Clemson gear at The Tiger Fan Shop HERE!
By: Larry Williams & Paul Strelow
In the leadup to Clemson's opening spring practice Wednesday, we wrote that freshmen midyear enrollees Collin Sadler and Blake Miller were the most advanced offensive linemen the Tigers have brought in since perhaps Mitch Hyatt seven years ago.
To play as a newcomer, there typically has to be both talent and opportunity.
We expressed sentiment beforehand that we projected Sadler and Miller as the heirs apparent at left and right tackle, respectively.
The fact that Miller already lined up as the second-team right tackle behind junior starter Walker Parks stood as firm evidence that he factors into the coaching staff's thinking for this season.
Sadler began as third-team left tackle behind senior starter Jordan McFadden and redshirt freshman Tristan Leigh.
Highly-regarded true freshman offensive lineman Collin Sadler is shown here Wednesday with student-coach and former Tiger offensive lineman Hunter Rayburn. (Tigerillustrated.com)
Our belief is that the disposition of Sadler and Miller, in addition to the physical tools, will fast-track them into the rotation.
Sadler, in particular, offers the versatility to be plugged in as a candidate to play tackle, guard or even eventually be groomed as a center if need dictated.
He lists at 290 pounds on the roster. But our understanding is that Sadler is now pushing 310, and the staff is more than fine with it. He has minimal body fat, carries the weight well and looks as if there's room for more.
Dabo Swinney publicly reaffirmed Wednesday what we first laid out for subscribers in December -- Clemson is in the market for a transfer portal offensive lineman with vast starting experience, preferably at a high level.
Whether they target one or two is fluid, he said -- and we would pin that to how the coaches feel about their options once spring ball has finished.
We believe the development and trajectory of Miller and Sadler over the next month figure to be a leading influence in that decision. -- PAUL STRELOW
Staying on the offensive line theme, our primary object of interest yesterday was watching Thomas Austin go through his first official paces as the head of the group.
The typical practice routine for the team is to conduct its flex period inside, followed by the position groups dispersing outside. The offensive line always goes to an area behind the indoor practice facility where it proceeds through various footwork drills under the close watch of the line coach.
For years, that coach was Robbie Caldwell. And the stylistic difference between Austin and his predecessor is striking.
Caldwell was more the drill-sergeant type, showing little patience for lapses in technique. While there are certainly merits to this approach, it's probably safe to say it wore on some guys over time.
Austin favors much more the kindler, gentler approach. And though one could conclude that he's easing into things as this major transition takes place, it's also important to note that's just who he is as a person -- deliberate, good-natured, even-keeled.
Four-star true freshman offensive lineman Blake Miller. (Tigerillustrated.com)
After Austin returned to his alma mater from Georgia State, some of the initial reviews we heard of him included the fact that he relates well to the younger players of today.
That doesn't mean he's afraid to tear into someone when the situation calls for it, or that he's some shrinking violet in general.
But the volume is going to be lower in general, and that could be a good thing in some ways. -- LARRY WILLIAMS
SHOP for officially-licensed Clemson gear at The Tiger Fan Shop HERE!
