The Clemson Tigers are undergoing significant changes to their starting offensive line as they prepare for the upcoming season under the direction of Chad Morris, the new offensive coordinator. With several returning players who have experience, these transitions are easier to manage.
“They”ve all kind of seem like they”ve gotten in a sync together,” Morris stated. “We”re still rotating some guys around, but we feel pretty good about what we have up front with those guys.”
As the team gears up for the season, they are methodically piecing together their strategy, with one player emerging as crucial to their offensive line”s stability. “He”s definitely been an anchor on the offensive line,” Morris remarked, referring to Sewell.
Sewell”s role will be vital as he aims to perfect the finer details that are essential for success. Offensive line coach is also emphasizing the importance of this foundational work. However, Sewell is not alone in his responsibilities; Morris believes there are plenty of options available for offensive protection, with several players still in development.
“I think we”ve got eight or nine guys that we feel good about, and then I think we”ve got some freshmen that we feel really good about and just need more time,” Morris explained. “We”ve got enough for a good rotation and plenty of competition.”
Among those eight or nine players, a potential starting lineup is beginning to take shape. During a recent training session, Clemson executed tempo drills featuring Brayden Jacobs at left tackle, Tucker Kattus at left guard, Sewell at center, Elyjah Thurmon at right guard, and Easton Ware at right tackle.
Thurmon”s comeback is particularly noteworthy. After suffering a broken ankle in 2024, he managed to participate in a few games in 2025 before being sidelined for surgery. “I”ve been really pleased with him. This has been a really good week for him,” Morris said of Thurmon. “We”ve been able to move him around the offensive line. I mean, he”s that guy who can play all the positions.”
Having redshirted in 2025, Thurmon has three years of eligibility remaining. He is not only one of the more seasoned linemen with two years of experience but is also actively encouraging the development of younger players. Thurmon identified freshmen Leo Delaney and Carter Scruggs as promising talents, noting significant improvements in their performance over the past few weeks.
For Morris, this spring period is just the beginning of a longer journey. “Bottom line, we have to have a great summer. And this is just a start. This isn”t “we”re getting ready to go play next week.” This is to get ready to get into summer,” he stated. “Now, these guys know our expectations. This is how we”re going to practice. This is what our demands are.”
