CLEMSON – The Clemson offensive line has dealt with adversity throughout the 2023 season. None bigger than the loss of starting right guard Walker Parks.

In the second year under Thomas Austin, the Tigers’ frontline has grown throughout the year even in Parks’ absence and it was on full display right before the bye week.

While the offense struggled against Wake Forest, the run game took over on the backs of the offensive line in the fourth quarter and buried it with 207 total rushing yards in the end. That’s the type of performance that shows growth, and sophomore right tackle Blake Miller detailed that evolution Monday.

“I feel like we’re a unit that’s been on the rise. I feel like we’ve been trying to get better as a unit. I feel like we’re closer than we were last year,” Miller said.

On top of the rushing success, quarterback Cade Klubnik stayed clean against the Demon Deacons with no sacks. With the plethora of pass rushers in the ACC, that’s no small feat to keep Klubnik untouched and confident in the pocket.

With some of the adversity Clemson has faced, Miller made a bold statement to fans that may doubt this offensive line.

“We use adversity to fuel us and I know that certain fans feel a certain type of way about us, but we’re full speed ahead. Locked in on our goals and we’re trying not to let anything distract us,” Miller said.

The outside noise isn’t influencing Miller and this offensive line, and he emphasized how Austin instilled the mindset of keeping the focus in the room. It’s a large reason why the Tigers’ front has quietly become a strong unit for Garrett Riley’s offense.

Momentum is crucial, and the Clemson offensive line had it heading into the bye week. Now it’s just time to turn it into more after the reset against Miami.