Clemson Football: The evolution of the offensive line – Rubbing the Rock

One area thats going to be talked about a lot regarding Clemson football is the offensive line that struggled so much in 2021.

Weve already heard almost daily stories of good coming out of camp with very little negative sprinkled in about the 2022 version of the line.

This clip from Gramlich and Mac Lain could be viewed as more of that type of hype. A former Clemson offensive lineman praising what hes seeing from the line in camp.

Except that I interviewed Eric Mac Lain a few years back and it seemed to me he was very forthright and honest about his assessment of programs (not just Clemson), people that hed met along the way (this was before his ACC Network days) and even himself.

He didnt strike me then, nor does he now, as someone whos going to be hyperbolic about an offensive line thats not very good, because his credibility is at stake.

Would he add a little extra because its Clemson and he played line at Clemson? Sure, maybe subconsciously, Im not nave to that notion.

Still, come Labor Day Night they have to go out there and do it. Go out there and erase the memories of last season when Clemson totaled 286 total yards. Not against the 2nd ranked Georgia defense, but against what turned out to be the 117th ranked Georgia Tech defense.

First impressions can be a tricky thing and sometimes they stay with you forever, or at least a long time.

Is anyone expecting perfection? Not in this corner of Clemson fandom, were not.

That said, we also dont want to hear the same excuses that weve heard before and we want to see progress and competent play up front under the leadership of new offensive line coach Thomas Austin, himself a former Clemson offensive lineman.

As I generally am this time of year, Im cautiously optimistic and realize that what happens on September 5th, doesnt necessarily mean that will happen all season, but its going to be a difficult sell if the fans see something similar to last season to start this season, especially given the opponent.

Very soon its going to be time to prove that the assessments are correct and its not just hyperbole, but real improvement up front.

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Clemson Football: The evolution of the offensive line - Rubbing the Rock