When it comes to its inside guard positions on the offensive line, Clemson is as deep as it has been in quite some time. The Tigers are also very talented there as well.
On the left side of the line, Taylor Hearn is expected to be the starter once again, but he will be pushed in the spring by some up-and-comers, as well as a senior who is hungry for more playing time this season.
With Mitch Hyatt coming back for his third season as a starter at left tackle and Hearn back for his second year as a starter at left guard, the left side of Clemson’s line will be one of the Tigers’ strengths offensively in 2017.
Taylor Hearn: The redshirt junior, along with left tackle Mitch Hyatt, is the workhorse on the left side of the offensive line. In his first year as a starter, Hearn did earn one ACC Lineman of the Week honor. The 6-foot-5, 330-pound guard started all 15 games, while recording more than a 1,000 snaps. Like so many of Clemson’s lineman he is athletic enough to play inside and outside, though the coaches want to keep inside as much as possible because of his ability to push defensive tackles up the field and get to the second level. Hearn also has a little bit of a mean streak to him when he plays and plays with an attitude, which offensive line coach Robbie Caldwell really likes.
John Simpson: No one expected Simpson (6-4, 290) to play as a true freshman, but he played in 10 games last year as a reserve guard, including in the national championship game against Alabama. Caldwell was really impressed with Simpson’s ability to come right in and contribute because he said it’s harder for a guard to jump right into action as compared to a tackle because there is a lot more to do inside than there is outside.
Maverick Morris: The 6-foot-5, 300-pound offensive lineman is the Tigers’ utility player up front. The redshirt senior was a reserve guard and tackle last season as he played in all 15 games, while registering more than 300 snaps. He has started three games in his career. In 2015 he recorded 429 snaps over 15 games, while registering eight knockdown blocks.
Zach Giella: Giella (6-5, 300) moved inside and learned the guard and center positions. The redshirt sophomore will not only compete for playing time at center, but he will also compete at right and left guard. He is an athletic lineman who can move well. Caldwell likes the way he has progressed in his first two years and thinks he can really help with the depth this season. He played in just five games last season and recorded 32 snaps.
Noah Green: Caldwell likes the potential of Green (6-5 290), but they can’t seem to get him on the field due to injuries or other issues with his abdomen. The coaches hope the redshirt sophomore will be able to get on the field more in 2017 as they think he can become a good player for them up front and maybe a future starter.
Gage Cervenka: Though he still has a ways to go, Caldwell likes the progress the former defensive tackle made in his first year on the offensive line. He said Cervenka was a breath of fresh air. He gives the O-line some athleticism being a former defensive lineman that could run. Caldwell said the 6-foot-3, 305-pound redshirt sophomore has had a great transition, but there is still a lot he has to learn. He is still learning to listen for the snap count to know when to come off the line. He is used to watching the ball and going when the ball moves. But Caldwell believes Cervenka is going to be really good for the Tigers in the future.
–Above photo: Clemson left guard Taylor Hearn (51) blocks against the Alabama Crimson Tide in the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship Game at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa last month. (Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports)
We are now taking orders for our limited edition magazine Mission Accomplished. Remember Clemson’s championship season with this great magazine from the staff that covers Clemson football 365 days a year. Order your’s today to make sure you get a copy!
