By Will Vandervort.

By Heath Bradley

It is hard to imagine anyone at center for No. 13 Clemson other than Dalton freeman. However, at the conclusion of the Chick-fil-A Bowl, that will be the case. Freeman has appeared in more snaps than any other player in Tiger history, and has the hardware to prove it. One of the nation’s top centers, Clemson fans have grown accustomed to his consistent play and leadership on the field.

Unfortunately, when the Tigers take the field in the Georgia Dome, it will be the last time in a Clemson uniform for the senior from Pelion, S.C. A player who has become like an extra coach on the field, it will be hard to replace him. Fortunately, the coaching staff feels like they currently have a couple of young Dalton Freeman’s on this roster.

The player expected to fill Freeman’s shoes is Ryan Norton, who has spent time at center and guard in 2012. Norton is made of a similar mold as he is tough, physical, and hard working. One thing is certain, though, there is no one better to learn from about what it would take to have a career like Freeman’s, than from Freeman himself. That is the opportunity Norton has had over the past two seasons.

The coaches see a lot of Freeman in Norton and hope he can step in and pick up where Freeman left off.

Jay Guillermo was a highly recruited center out of Tennessee and is expected to push Norton for playing time next year. One of the top centers in the nation in his class, Guillermo spent the 2012 season redshirting, while getting stronger and becoming accustomed to playing at the college level.

Heading into 2013, the staff at TCI will give a slight advantage to Norton due to his experience of already appearing in action for the Tigers. However, we also know Guillermo will push Norton, and that competition will be good for both players and the Tigers.

It will be different, though, not seeing No. 55 as part of the offensive line when the Tigers take the field this spring, but we believe Clemson will be in good hands with Norton and Guillermo.