By Heath Bradley.

By Heath Bradley

CLEMSON – Ryan Norton took the first snaps of his Clemson career last Saturday, and to Norton, there is nothing like playing on the offensive line.

While meeting with the media earlier this week, offensive coordinator Chad Morris had high praises for Norton. To Norton, these praises are humbling, especially so early in his career. “That is a real humbling thing to hear. Everyone played really great; there was good competition out there. I just feel like I went out there and tried my best to help the team.”

While Norton redshirted the 2011 season, he was prepared throughout the 2011 camp and early season as if he was going to play. This experience helped Norton understand the grind of being a contributor at the ACC level. An experience he believes prepared him better for the 2012 season.

“That experience helped me out a ton. I really got to learn how to act, traveling wise, and preparing for a game,” he said. “It was tough dressing out, preparing all week, knowing you are not going to play.”

Once it was determined Norton would for sure redshirt, his preparation for the 2011 season changed. His redshirting allowed him to focus more in the weight room and film room on becoming a better player. The film work especially prepared him for his role as the backup center heading into 2012.

“Power hour really helped out a lot. I spent extra time on film, trying to increase my studies on the game. That has helped out a lot, the game has slowed down a lot since last year.”

Norton entered the 2012 season as the backup to Dalton Freeman, a Rimington Award finalist from 2011. With the veteran Freeman returning, Norton was still given a large number of first-team snaps in fall camp to prepare him if necessary for action in 2012. These reps in camp helped Norton to focus on what it took to be successful at center against such great competition.

“It helped me get a feel of what I am supposed to do. It put a lot of pressure on me,” he said.

While taking the majority of first team center snaps in fall camp, Norton also took numerous snaps at the guard positions. With the coaches high on Norton at the center position, as well as possibly in some role at the guard position, Norton is not 100 percent sure where his future will take him. A team first player, Norton is willing to play whatever position will most benefit the team.

“As of right now, I am focusing on center,” he said. “I do play a few snaps here and there at guard. We will see, where I can help the team the best is where I will help.”

Norton feels that he can bring aggressiveness to the offensive line, whether it is at center or at guard. He understands that being able to play with an aggressive nature, while still under control is the key to success in the trenches.

“I like to play really aggressive, I try increase the intensity, get everyone else hyped up beforehand, but also being a center you have to be calm snapping the ball and telling everyone what to do,” he said. “Overall, I feel like I bring a lot of intensity to the offensive line.”