Clemson Football: Who’s joining the offensive line starting lineup?

Tristan Leigh

Jordan McFadden is leaving for the NFL, which means Clemson Football needs a new starter at the most important spot on the offensive line: left tackle. The ideal for the Tigers is to move someone into that position that is a natural tackle. On the surface, the most ideal situation is for Tristan Leigh to grab that spot.

The 247Sports composite listed Leigh as a 5-star prospect in the Class of 2021, ranked No. 14 in the country. He lifted the spirits of Clemson fans when he announced his commitment to the Tigers shortly after their loss in the 2020 semifinals.

Leigh will be a redshirt sophomore for the Tigers in 2023. He played sparingly in 2021 while he was in Power Hour to develop physically. He got more playing time in 2022 but wasn’t heavily used in the rotation, which did create some questions among fans who expected him to contribute. Traditionally, fans see a 5-star rating on a player and think they should at least make an impact by their second year.

It has taken Leigh a bit longer than two years. That might have as much to do with who was in front of him rather than Leigh himself, but he was passed by freshman Blake Miller for the right tackle position. Perhaps Leigh is better suited to the left side, but it did raise some eyebrows.

With McFadden exiting, Leigh should be one of the guys at the top of the list to move into the starting lineup. Even if Miller moves to left tackle, Leigh could step in at the right tackle position.