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

Collin Sadler

New offensive line coach Thomas Austin immediately improved the unit in 2022, but there is still room for improvement. Some believe the Tigers will need Austin to turn over the personnel to complete the line’s transformation. Observers who think that way will point to Miller’s inclusion in the starting lineup as a freshman, despite his inexperience, over guys recruited under former line coach Robbie Caldwell.

This has some thinking that Sadler, Miller’s 2022 classmate, could have an advantage over the other candidates. He was a 4-star prospect in the 247Sports Composite, ranked 153rd overall nationally. He was the 14th-best offensive tackle nationally.

That said, Sadler’s first season was a redshirt campaign that saw him take the field about as often as Leigh did during his redshirt season in 2021. There is also speculation about Sadler’s ideal position. He might be a candidate for tackle, but he might also fit as a guard.

This versatility could benefit Sadler in this competition. Austin doesn’t have to just put a new person at left tackle or move Miller over to left and insert a new right tackle. He has the option to move one of the guards to tackle. Parks started at right tackle in 2021. Tate was originally thought of as a tackle before moving to guard to fill holes created by injuries to others when he was a freshman. Either player could be a candidate to move to one of the tackle positions.

If Austin takes the “best five on the field” perspective, and Sadler is that guy, there are a few different configurations he could use.