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 guard position…
- Taylor Hearn, RS So.
Hearn played in all but one game last season, playing mostly as a reserve at left guard to starter Eric Mac Lain. In three of those games he played on special teams only. The 6-foot-4, 325-pound guard played 170 snaps at guard overall, including a season-high 43 at Miami.
Though Maverick Morris has more experience at the guard positions, Hearn has been groomed by offensive line coach Robbie Caldwell the last two years to eventually take over as his starter at left guard and we will get the opportunity to see if he can this spring. He came to Clemson in 2014 after a career at Williston-Elko where he was a three-year starter. Hearn was rated as the No. 17 player in the state of South Carolina by Rivals.com and earned a Shrine Bowl selection. He was redshirted in 2014.
Known for having a mean streak on the football field, Hearn brings a physical presence to Clemson’s inside where the Tigers like to run running back Wayne Gallman between the tackles.
- Maverick Morris, RS Jr.
Morris came of age a season ago. He played a significant amount in some critical games, not the least of which was his 84-snap performance in the Florida State win that clinched the Atlantic Division title for the Tigers. Much of that time came at right guard, where an injury to Tyrone Crowder opened up an opportunity for Morris to see the field a great deal.
Crowder returns, but both Eric Mac Lain and Ryan Norton are gone now, leaving a gaping hole at left guard. Morris seems the most likely choice to fill that second-team void as an experienced member of Clemson’s offensive line. The 6-5, 300-pounder might seem like a new face, but he is entering into his fourth season in the program. Morris is plenty seasoned and prepared to take on this role.
Versatility might be Morris’ greatest strength. He was memorably thrust into duty at right tackle on the road against Louisville for a handful of plays due to injury. Because of this, the staff sees him as a possible jack-of-all-trades all over the line. It seemed the offense changed very little when Morris was in the game a season ago, so simply fine-tuning his skills and upping his level of understanding should be adequate offseason priorities.
- Sean Pollard, Fr.
Pollard is as much of an unknown as anyone addressed thus far in this series. The four-star recruit out of Southern Pines, N.C. was a January enrollee into Clemson and has a chance to become a part of the rotation either inside or at tackle. This placement has everything to do with a gap that needs filling and almost nothing to do with an actual projection for Pollard over the long haul.
Most seem to peg Pollard as a guard, but that’s not a universal opinion. Because of how Robbie Caldwell likes to cross-train his linemen, Pollard will probably get some work at tackle, as a similar gap exists on the right edge of the offensive front. Duke valued Pollard a great deal during the recruiting process. This indicates a certain level of intelligence and technical advancement commonly found in David Cutcliffe recruits up front.
It seems unlikely that Pollard would overtake Morris at this point, but a semester head start could give him the boost he needs to play a solid role on the line in 2016. Clemson’s staff has shown a willingness—and rightfully so—to eschew the depth chart in favor of moving a guy from one spot to another that is trustworthy. It is for this reason that Pollard may end up being redshirted after all, should alternatives emerge behind Morris and elsewhere.
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.
