Clemson’s offensive line was truly special this season, so special that the Tigers racked up 3,345 rushing yards and 34 touchdowns on 679 carries. The unit led Clemson to average 223.0 yards per game, but what makes that so remarkable is the fact right tackle Joe Gore, with three career starts, was the most experienced player on the 2015 offensive line.

Gore originally came to Clemson as the nation’s No. 16 defensive end according to 247Sports.com, but the North Carolina native began training as an offensive lineman in his redshirt season after recovering from an injury.

In 2012, he recorded 66 snaps over five games as an offensive lineman, including nine snaps against Louisiana State in the Chick-Fil-A Bowl. Although he was used primarily s a backup at the time, Gore combined for 124 snaps and three knockdowns in the 2012 and 2013 seasons.

Gore’s background as a defensive end made him an incredibly athletic offensive lineman. The 6-foot-6, 300-pound tackle played a more significant role in 2014, totaling five knockdowns in 237 snaps over eight games. He recorded his first career start in the season opener at Georgia, in which he played all 79 snaps.

After suffering from appendicitis, which required surgery, Gore ended the season starting in two more games and had a knockdown in Clemson’s 40-6 victory over Oklahoma in the Russell Athletic Bowl.

After the 2014 season, Gore earned his degree in May, but chose to stay with the team as a redshirt graduate. His return ended up becoming crucial for the strength of the offensive line, especially after left tackle Isaiah Battle decided to forgo his senior season to enter the NFL’s supplemental draft.

Battle’s departure left some wondering if the offensive line would be able to have a productive season with such a lack of starting experience remaining, but no one is thinking that way now.

Clemson ended the 2015 season having two players rush for over 1,000 yards. The offensive line helped make it possible for quarterback Deshaun Watson to rush for 1,105 yards and for running back Wayne Gallman to rack up 1,527 yards.

The unit also only allowed just 18 sacks, one of the best in the country.

Clemson’s offensive linemen received praise from many outlets, including multiple ACC Player of the Week honors. Gore was named the ACC Offensive Lineman of the Week after his performance in Clemson’s win over NC State. Clemson had 623 yards of total offense in the 56-41 victory, and Gore played all 80 snaps and recorded three knockdown blocks.

Although there were early skeptics, Gore and the offensive line corps never doubted their own ability, and they proved to be a critical aspect of Clemson’s historical season.