7 freshmen in 2023 that should be starting for Clemson Football in 2024

Harris Sewell

I’m going to admit I am not sure about this one, but I am sure that Harris Sewell will be part of the rotation on the offensive line next season. Like Lewis, he likely will be an OR starter on the depth chart at the very least. Which position? I’m not sure yet.

When starting right guard Walker Parks was injured, the team first turned to Mitchell Mayes. Mayes wasn’t as consistent as they would have liked, so Sewell got a chance. He didn’t grab the reins, and the Tigers continued to experiment with other options at right guard.

While Sewell might not have been ready to be a regular starter this quickly, he has shown that he has the potential to be a solid player for the Tigers.

Parks has stated that he intends to return next season, and logically he will step back in as the right guard. Marcus Tate can return in 2024. If he does, he will be the presumed starter at left guard. Tate has had his past two seasons end due to injury, so it is hard to know where his head is right now.

If Parks and Tate return, the other interior spot will be at center. The Tigers have Ryan Linthicum, who was a well-regarded center prospect who has been on the sideline for a few years now. He could be the man to step into the starting lineup in 2024 (Will Putnam exhausts eligibility) but there does not seem to be a consensus among observers that Linthicum is a slam dunk to start.

Even if Linthicum does start, someone has to back him up. Trent Howard could do that if he stays, but we don’t know that yet. It seems like someone would have to start taking snaps to prepare to be a backup at the very least.

If Linthicum isn’t the guy who is going to grab that job, the staff probably wants someone there who could build some consistency, rather than making the center job a revolving door. That someone could be Sewell.