By Heath Bradley.

By Heath Bradley

Clemson returns every offensive guard that took a snap in 2012 next season. This will be a key in keeping the continuity of the offensive line since it is only losing center Dalton Freeman. The offensive guard positions in 2012 were nailed down, and dominated, by two first-year starters in David Beasley and Tyler Shatley.

While Shatley made the move from the defensive line to offensive line in the offseason, the coaches still expected him to be the starter entering 2012. David Beasley was a different story. Beasley beat out Kalon Davis to earn the starting role and performed better than coaches expected in 2012.

On numerous occasions Dabo Swinney raved about the play of Beasley, citing his strength and physicality as something this offensive line needed. As for Shatley, he was just as steady as a three-year veteran on the offensive line.

Both Shatley and Beasley battled minor injuries, but they played through them, improving every week. By the end of the season, the two were playing some of their best football of the season, as it should be.

A bright spot for the Tigers is the depth around these two starters. Clemson had four other scholarship players take snaps at the guard positions in 2012, led by Kalon Davis. After being beat out as the starter, Davis continued to work hard and earned snaps in a reserve role, as well as a start in the place of Beasley while he was injured.

This depth allowed offensive coordinator Chad Morris to rotate linemen when necessary, something he is not keen on doing unless players are completely ready. Clemson’s string of convincing victories also allowed Morris to grow these younger linemen in the heat of battle versus ACC competition.

One young lineman that really stood out to the coaches was Ryan Norton. The redshirt freshman appeared at both center and guard for the Tigers in 2012, proving he could be a viable option at either position in his future. With the emergence of Beasley and Shatley it looks as if Norton will make his home at center, but his ability to play both positions could very well benefit the Tigers in a time of need.

Two other Tigers who logged snaps at guard are Reid Webster and Spencer Region. Webster missed time in 2012 due to a suspension, but improved greatly when given the opportunity as the season went on. For Region, being in the game is what he needs, a player who has worked hard to continue to get his body in the right shape. The best way for Region to improve is live action. There is no way to simulate the quickness and the physicality of the game, and we at TCI feel once Region is ready, he will be a force on the Clemson offensive line.