Before Clemson began practices this past spring, one of the main concerns across the offensive line was what the Tigers were going to do about the center position.
Last year’s starter, Cade Stewart, decided his collegiate career was over, though he could have returned for one more season, due to the NCAA adding an extra year of eligibility because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Stewart’s departure left Clemson without an experienced replacement and searching for a new starter for a third straight season.
Some thought freshman sensation Ryan Linthicum might come in and win the job after enrolling at Clemson in January.