Coming into this season, the Clemson offensive line returns 4 of 5 starters and returns 9 out of 10 from their 2 deep from last season. The line did a good job last year protecting quarterback Tajh Boyd and opening up holes for the running backs. The one player they will have to replace is Dalton Freeman who was the unquestioned leader.
Offensive Tackles: Returning as starters at the tackle positions will be Brandon Thomas and Gifford Timothy. Thomas started all 13 games for the Tigers last season and was 1st team All-ACC. Thomas will be the unquestioned of the O-line. Timothy started 11 games as a sophomore and he more than held his own. Timothy had some injury problems last season that caused him to miss 2 starts and most of the Chick-Fil-A Bowl. He was solid last season and should be very good this season. Backups Isaiah Battle and Shaq Anthony will push for playing time. Battle has a ton of upside but hasn't gotten over the hump. Battle came in and played most of the game against LSU last season and did a good job. He was unable to springboard that performance into a good spring. He just hasn't put in the effort in spring to reach his full potential. Anthony is just a step behind Timothy but is proving himself to be a solid backup.
Offensive Guards: Tyler Shatley and David Beasley return as the starting guards. Shatley moved from the D-line to O-line last season and played like it was his position from the start. He is tough and plays with a nastiness that coaches like from the offensive linemen. Beasley was consistent last season and coming into this season he should be able to make another step forward. Joe Gore and Kalon Davis will also push for playing time. Gore proved that he can play when called upon. Davis on the other hand has yet to prove he can be dependable. With his size, he could be a menace for opposing defenses.
Center: Center is the one position where there is not a returning starter. Ryan Norton has seemed to separate himself from the Jay Guillermo and Spencer Region. Norton used a good spring to get the nod at the starting position. If Isaiah Battle improves at the tackle spot, Brandon Thomas could shift over to the guard spot which would then put Shatley or Beasley at center. Guillermo and Region have not really seen the field and if Norton goes down it could be bad news for the Tigers.
Projected Depth Chart
Starting Left Tackle: Brandon Thomas
Backup: Isaiah Battle
Starting Left Guard: David Beasley
Backup: Kalon Davis
Starting Center: Ryan Norton
Backup: Jay Guillermo/Spencer Region
Starting Right Guard: Tyler Shatley
Backup: Joe Gore
Starting Right Tackle: Gifford Timothy
Backup: Shaq Anthony
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