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

Harris Sewell or Ian Reed

Clemson fans have seen a duality of perspectives when it comes to freshmen offensive linemen in recent years. As noted, players like Tate and Miller have been tapped to start as freshmen, while others like Leigh and Linthicum were not ready to contribute right away.

As such, we don’t know what to expect from the Tigers’ incoming freshmen linemen. One of them, Zech Owens, is recovering from an injury. He isn’t likely to be a candidate to contribute immediately. The other two, Sewell and Reed, have a chance, but until we see them, we have no idea how ready they will be when they arrive.

Both were highly rated. Sewell was a Top 200 4-star prospect in the 247Sports Composite. Reed was also a 4-star, rated No. 280 nationally. Both have frames that make them physically ready to play.

We’ve seen a freshman start for the Tigers in each of the last two seasons. I think it is safe to say that both Tate and Miller are very talented, but the team also had to cope with the inevitable freshmen mistakes from both of them.

Austin probably doesn’t want to start another freshman, but if either Sewell or Reed is the best option, I don’t doubt that they will be starting. The one thing I feel confident saying is that if a freshman is moved into the starting lineup, then it’s a big indictment of a few of the third-year and fourth-year guys that will have been passed by.