Over the next few weeks, we will take a look at each position on the football team to examine where each player stands right now in his group on the depth chart. We will look back on the 2015 season for analysis and attempt to forecast what the 2016 depth chart might look like in a few months, including early thoughts on the mid-year enrollees. Today, we continue with a look at the left tackle position…
- Mitch Hyatt, So.
It’s fair to say Mitch Hyatt came into his freshman campaign with fairly high expectations. It’s also more than fair to say he performed better than anyone could have dreamed. The stud freshman earned every single award he received in 2015 because he shored up a position that had no alternative options otherwise. Not only that, but Hyatt made left tackle a strength for the Tigers.
It is perfectly reasonable for Clemson fans to salivate about Hyatt’s long-term development. What was seen as a luxury last season will begin to be an expectation as far as his level of play is concerned. He has the look—and his career has the feel—of a potential high draft pick if he continues to progress.
Hyatt honestly doesn’t have much to work on as far as technically playing the position. Fine-tuning his skill set should be good enough, which is weird to say about a second-year player. Becoming a bit more forceful as a run blocker is probably the area that Hyatt can stand to improve the most. Realistically, though, the kid was a stud last year, and he should continue to be one for at least the next two years.
- Taylor Hearn, RS So.
Hearn operated in the interior of the line for much of the season. At the very least, that’s how it looked on the depth chart, as he was slotted as the third-string left guard late in the season. Clemson is much more crowded on the interior, however, and it appears Hearn may get a look at tackle due to sheer numbers.
At 6-5 and 330 pounds, it may seem that Hearn is a bit heavy for a tackle. That’s probably a fair assessment, and should the staff decide to go this route, don’t be surprised to see him drop down to 315 or 320 pounds by August. Hearn has the tangible skills to adequately play tackle, but Clemson would probably prefer to move him around a bit as a jack-of-all-trades.
The truth is that the backup left tackle will probably be Jake Fruhmorgen, but Hearn will be the swing player that sits in this slot on the depth chart. He has showcased a tremendous work ethic and has caught the eye of the coaching staff so far in his career. More of that, and he could be a legitimate option to earn playing time at left tackle in 2016.
God Bless!
WQ
If you haven’t already order your copy today of Guts & Glory – Tales of Clemson’s Historic 2015 Football Season to help you celebrate and remember this special season.
