5 redshirt freshmen who can make an impact for Clemson Football

Clemson Football had some good freshmen who redshirted because of injury or illness. Here are five who could make an impact in 2024.

Clemson defensive lineman Vic Burley (45) during the first practice at Clemson, S.C. Friday, August 4, 2023. / Ken Ruinard / staff / USA TODAY NETWORK

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Ian Reed

Position: Offensive line

Hometown: Austin, Texas

High School: Vandegrift High School

247Sports Composite Rating: 4-star

Height: 6’-6”

Weight: 325 pounds

Reason for redshirt: Illness

Reed was one of the Texans coming in with the 2023 cycle that had fans pumped about Thomas Austin’s recruiting. His counterpart, Harris Sewell, saw decent snaps as a rotational guy who then stepped up in the back half of the season as starters began succumbing to injury.

Going into 2024, Sewell is expected to be a candidate for the starting center position. He will also be counted on as a key backup off the bench at either guard position.

Reed’s future is uncertain because of an illness that prevented him from developing in his first season. The illness has been described as something Reed has been coping with for a long time. The timing of his most recent flare-up meant that a redshirt was a certainty.

I have Reed on this list simply because he is the biggest unknown. We have a good idea of the abilities of most of the offensive linemen. We can be hopeful that new coach Matt Luke might unlock the next level for some of them, but we shouldn’t assume any of them will suddenly become a new player.

Reed is the guy who has had a year in the program who we simply might not see coming.

NEXT: Dee Crayton

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