By Will Vandervort

Though the Clemson football team released its depth chart last week, it does not mean that’s what the Tigers will look like when they kickoff off the season on Aug. 31 against Georgia. There is no other position where this holds true than on the offensive line.

Though Brandon Thomas (left tackle), David Beasley (left guard), Ryan Norton (center), Tyler Shatley (right guard) and Gifford Timothy (right tackle) are listed as the top five players right now it could all change once fall camp begins.

“We are still trying to find who the best five are and what the right combination is,” Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney said. “The thing I like, I’m really okay with our offensive line not being settled right now because we have a lot of combinations and we did not have that this time last spring. We had a lot of drop offs.”

This time last year, the only thing Clemson knew was that center Dalton Freeman, who signed a free agent contract with the New York Jets last week, was the starter at center and Brandon Thomas was the left tackle. Everything else was up in the air.

At left guard, Beasley and Kalon Davis had never started. Shatley had only worked at right guard one spring after moving over from the defensive line and Timothy had yet to play in a game at right tackle. Even backups like Reid Webster, Joe Gore and Isaiah Battle were all raw.

“This time it is much more competitive and that is a good thing,” Swinney said. “That will carry over into the summer; at least I hope it does.”

Below is a breakdown of the guys expected to contribute on the offensive line this coming fall.

Brandon Thomas, 6-3, 305, Sr. — Listed as first-team left tackle. The Tigers are very fortunate to have a guy like Thomas. He gives them a bunch of flexibility. He can play left tackle; and can play either guard position. He had 23 knockdown blocks in 987 snaps.

Eric Mac Lain, 6-4, 260, So. – Listed as a second-team left tackle. Had an excellent spring, but he is still not there. He is still making that transition from tight end. It is new to him, but he is committed and focused.

“We wanted him to learn it at one spot. Let’s be fair to him,” Swinney said. “Let’s let him learn one thing and get his feet on the ground. I think he can play either tackle or either guard as he goes through the next three years.”

Isaiah Battle, 6-6, 280, So. — Listed as the third-team left tackle. Was given every opportunity in the spring to take the job from Thomas, put did not do it.

“We want it for him and (the talent) is all there, but he has to do it,” Swinney said. “He is not quite there, yet. I’m patient. He is a freshman. He is coming. Sometimes guys don’t get it when you want them, too, but you have to keep pushing them and hope that the light comes on.

“I had a great meeting with him and I’m confident he is going to bust his tail this summer. If he does that, his ability will eventually kick in and he will be what he is capable of being. He has to make that commitment. I can’t do it for him. He made some progress. He did some good things in the spring game, which is encouraging, so we will see. He has to have a great summer in the weight room.”

David Beasley, 6-4, 315, Jr. – He is listed as co-left guard. Good spring, but did nothing to separate himself from Davis. He had 28 knockdowns in 784 snaps last year.

Kalon Davis, 6-5, 330, Jr.— He is listed as co-left guard. The junior has made big strides since his freshman year in regards to his weight to get to this point. He injured his knee in the spring game, but he is expected to be back in time for camp. He had one start last year and had eight knockdowns in 215 snaps.

Ryan Norton, 6-3, 270, So. – Listed as the starter at center. Really came into his own at center. Spent a lot of the winter working with quarterback Tajh Boyd in the film room and then carried that onto the field in the spring.

Jay Guillermo, 6-3, 290, Fr. – He is listed as the second-team center. Made good strides and pushed Norton at center. Will be used as a backup center and will get some playing time, especially if Norton has to move to guard for any reason.

Tyler Shatley, 6-3, 295, Sr. — Listed as the first-team right guard. He has become one of the better players on the offensive line after switching over from the defensive line in the spring of 2012. He had 26 knockdown blocks last year. He has to work on being more vocal.

Reid Webster, 6-5, 285, Jr. – Listed as the second-team right guard, but can play center as well. He had a great spring and has a chance to be a starter.

“He was consistent, the light has come on,” Swinney said. “He played three positions, played both guards. He is in the mix. He is one of the strongest guys on the team. He has improved technically as well.

Gifford Timothy, 6-6, 310, Jr. – He is the starting right tackle. He had 12 knockdown blocks in 865 snaps. When healthy he helps solidify the right side of the line along with Shatley.

Joe Gore, 6-5, 275, So. – Second-team right tackle. He has great athleticism. He played in five games last year and had a solid spring working with mostly the twos.