Clemson Football: Three questions about the offensive line

Will any freshmen see playing time?

There is a mindset that freshmen offensive linemen don’t often see a lot of playing time, for a few reasons. Often they need to build up their strength. It also takes time to learn the system and build chemistry with their teammates.

Then again, Clemson has had a freshman starting for them in each of the past two seasons: Tate in 2021 and Miller in 2022. Austin isn’t afraid to put a freshman out there if he proves he is the best option.

All three of the incoming freshmen were rated as 4-stars in the 247Sports Composite. Sewell and Reed were categorized as inside prospects and Owens was a tackle. All of them enrolled early and participated in spring practice. Owens appears recovered from the injury that cost him his senior season in high school.

When you have a freshman starting, it is a double-edged sword. It could mean you have a stud. It can also mean the guys expected to do the job aren’t getting it done.

Considering there are four returning starters and a few experienced players who can take the fourth spot, I think I would be a little concerned if one of the freshmen jumped into the first string this year.