5 biggest position battles for Clemson Football in fall camp
By John Chancey
Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney always says that every starting position will be a competition in the fall. That’s a good position to have. It communicates to the players that you better bring your best because someone else might jump you if you don’t.
That said, it is coach speak to a degree. Several positions aren’t really in question unless there are injuries or suspensions.
There are always a handful that are truly unknowns with at least two guys competing for the job, sometimes more.
Here are the five positions that will have battles in fall camp that are most consequential to the team.
Center
If there is a position group that is usually undervalued on the offense, it is usually the offensive line. Everything depends on a solid performance from the guys up front.
If there is a position that is usually undervalued on the offensive line, it is the center. It isn’t just about getting the snap off. The play of the center is important to blocking on the interior.
Will Putnam held down the position nicely for the past two years. He didn’t set the world on fire but the woes at center in the 2020 and 2021 seasons helped us put things in perspective.
The Tigers will need a new starting center in 2024, and there are multiple options. Ryan Linthicum will be a redshirt junior. He is a natural center.
Harris Sewell got snaps during spring practice. He is a promising young player who can be effective at either guard position.
Trent Howard is a veteran who can be counted on to contribute at multiple positions, including center if needed.
Linthicum is probably the leader right now, but the real competition will happen in fall camp. Linthicum will need to prove he can handle every aspect of the position. Sewell will continue training because it’s smart to have multiple options at center in case of injuries.
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