Clemson Football: Elite o-line recruits key to Clemson’s return to National Championship
Dabo Swinney was able to turn Clemson into one of the elite programs in College Football despite the fact that the Tigers have recruited at an average level along the offensive line during his tenure. With all of the talent that Clemson has stockpiled on defense and at the skill positions, the only missing piece to a dynasty is elite offensive lineman.
It’s important to note that Clemson has been consistently stout along the offensive line under Swinney, however, that success upfront can be attributed to the job that Robbie Caldwell does at developing his players. Should Clemson land elite offensive line recruits and develop them at the same rate, the Tigers will be downright scary in the trenches.
Clemson’s 2016 National Championship victory over Nick Saban’s vaunted Alabama defense is all the more impressive when you consider the fact that just one of the Tigers offensive lineman (Mitch Hyatt) was ranked within the top 100 prospects nationally coming out of high school. Even more staggering is the fact that Clemson has signed just two offensive lineman (Antoine McClain & Mitch Hyatt) ranked within the top 100 prospects in the country since 2008.
See also: Tyrone Crowder is the anchor of Clemson’s offensive line entering 2017
Now that the Tigers are in the post-Deshaun Watson era they must begin their trek towards another National Championship. That journey begins with the big boys upfront. The Tigers have the quarterbacks and NFL-bound defensive lineman. The missing link is elite offensive lineman, plenty of whom Clemson could land in the 2018 recruiting cycle.
Priority recruits
Jackson Carman (OT) Fairfield, Ohio:
Carman is an ultra-athletic offensive tackle, capable of anchoring a college offensive line from day one. The Tigers are in a heated battle with the hometown, Ohio State Buckeyes and USC seems to have gained some momentum as of late. Landing Carman would give the Tigers a bookend tackle to protect the blindside of Clemson’s quarterback for the next three to four years. At 6-foot-6, 290 pounds, Carman is a fluid athlete with great feet and he is as gritty as they come when run blocking.
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Jamaree Salyer (OG) Atlanta, Georgia:
Clemson’s chances with Salyer seem to be improving by the day. The Tigers have now received a total of five crystal ball predictions for the five-star Georgia native. More importantly, Clemson has received the last five crystal ball predictions for Salyer. Momentum clearly lies with Dabo Swinney and company.
Salyer carries his 6-foot-4, 342 pound frame well, consistently pulling and finishing blocks on the second level. Clemson could use a hard-nosed guard to run the football behind. With Tyrone Crowder entering his final year of eligibility, Salyer would land in Death Valley just at the nick of time.
Trey Hill (OG) Warner Robins, Georgia:
Similar to Salyer, Hill is an elite interior offensive lineman from the state of Georgia, however, Clemson’s chances at landing Hill are not as strong. At the moment Kirby Smart and the Dawgs are the perceived leaders in his recruitment. At 6-foot-4, 346 pounds, Hill is the most complete guard in the 2018 recruiting class in my opinion. He is equally impressive in pass protection and run blocking. He appears to be a slightly better athlete than Salyer.
More from RTR: Have the Tigers missed the boat on a RB prospect in the 2018 recruiting cycle?
Landing any of these three would be huge for Clemson as they have the size and technique to play from day one. The Tigers are also in play for, Keiondre Jones and Michael Tarquin, two elite offensive lineman in the 2019 recruiting cycle. Each of these prospects should be a priority for the Tigers as they will allow Clemson to dictate the L.O.S. and control the tempo of the game.
With talents like Hunter Johnson, Trevor Lawrence, Tavien Feaster and Travis Etienne Jr. the Tigers will need a stout offensive line to open up running lanes and stifle opposing pass rushers. As we all know, games are won and lost in the trenches.
Next: 5 best offenses the Tigers will face in 2017