By Heath Bradley.

By Heath Bradley

CLEMSON — Clemson right tackle Shaq Anthony has started the past two games for ninth-ranked Clemson at right tackle for the injured Gifford Timothy. With Timothy expected to return from injury this Saturday against No. 4 Florida State, Anthony does not view their battle at right tackle as a battle at all.

“I do not view it that way as much as I view it as both of us trying to get better, helping each other out,” the redshirt freshman said Monday.

Anthony’s and Timothy’s ability to help each other improve has been key for an offensive line that has seen some minor injuries since the start of the 2012 season. Anthony did not enter the 2012 season expecting to see much action at right tackle. However, after the injury to Timothy, he made the move from left to right tackle, and through the help of Timothy has not looked back.

“Giff really has helped me with the transition,” he said. “We have built a better relationship as teammates through that.”

Anthony has played well in his two opportunities to start for the injured Timothy, earning valuable playing time that will help not only him, but also the Tigers throughout the remainder of the season.

The Williamston, SC native may not have the ideal size for a starting tackle at this level yet, but he makes up for it in the way he plays the game. He prides himself on being one of the toughest and most aggressive players on the field.

“A plus for me is being aggressive,” said the 6-foot-4, 265-pound tackle. “That is something I have been working on. Something for me is being aggressive as I can be. I am undersized at tackle right now, so I’m making sure I make up for my size with my toughness and aggressiveness.”

Anthony attributes his improvement on the field to his new mentality off the field and in the meeting rooms. A player who by his own admission, thought he knew enough already in 2011, has became a much more coachable and attentive player in 2012. According to Anthony, the key to success is being able to listen to coaches and apply it to the playing field.

“Taking coaching, and being coachable is the key,” he said.

As Anthony and the Tigers face their biggest challenge of the year in an FSU defensive line that is considered one of the best in the country, he is quick to point out that this game means a lot to the Tigers.

“It is always business with any opponent that you play,” he said.  “I hate to say it, but I have to be honest, with this specific opponent it is something more inside of us. The fire is burning a little bit hotter.”

Anthony and the Clemson offensive line will look to turn this “fire” into the ability to stop a talented FSU defensve line, giving Tajh Boyd time to throw the ball, as well as making holes for Andre Ellington and the other Clemson running backs to run through.