Clemson offensive line coach Robbie Caldwell has said it over and over again, he is not afraid to play the best player on the offensive line, even if that player is a true freshman.
Of course, anyone would have started Mitch Hyatt at left tackle in 2015. He was a highly coveted tackle coming out of the 2015 recruiting class, and he was college ready. But what about Sean Pollard, Tremayne Anchrum and John Simpson, did anyone see them coming in and contributing right away as true freshman?
It is doubtful. However, Caldwell did.
Granted Caldwell did not anticipate right tackle and starter Jake Fruhmorgen to quit the team in the middle of a national championship season, but he did see the promise of Pollard and Anchrum, even back in training camp.