CLEMSON — The future of the Clemson offensive line looks to be bright with Matt Luke leading the way.

Entering just his second season with the Tigers, Luke has already had a profound impact, both on the field and on the recruiting trail.

One of the biggest pieces of the last recruiting class was Brayden Jacobs. Standing 6-foot-7 and weighing well over 300 pounds, the former high four-star talent is already a mountain of a man, despite being just a true freshman.

“I think his size, when you walk out there, everybody sees it. That is kind of a big deal,” Luke said. “He is a big guy that can move.”

With several offensive linemen being held out during the spring, the former four-star talent had a lot of opportunities to rep with the first and second team. Working against veterans like Peter Woods and TJ Parker proved to be an early test, and Jacobs more than held his own.

At the same time, Jacobs is still a true freshman, and there is a substantial learning curve for young offensive linemen making the jump to the college level. And it goes well beyond just learning the playbook and the protections.

“I just think there is a lot of work to be done,” Luke added. “Just as far as technique and footwork. Sometimes, as a bigger guy who is really athletic, you can get away with certain things. But creating the footwork and technique, and being very finite on those little things, he will just keep getting better and better.”

“And then obviously the speed of the game. I thought Coach Swinney did a really good job of putting him against Peter and TJ (in the spring). Him going out there and being challenged early, it is a challenge, but it also gives you confidence, and you are like, ok, I can do this.”

Fortunately, the Tigers have four starters returning up front. The only open spot is the one at right guard, a spot left open by Marcus Tate’s departure. However, with experienced players like Harris Sewell, Collin Sadler and even Eliyjah Thurmon possibly all vying for the job, Luke doesn’t have to rush things with Jacobs.

At the same time, that doesn’t mean Jacobs won’t see the field. He could very easily lock up a spot in the two-deep. However, how much he actually sees the field is yet to be determined.

“It’s too early to tell,” Luke said. “I am going to put him out there and put him in those situations and see how he does. But he still has to go earn it. You don’t give anything to anybody. He has to go earn it. There is obviously a lot of work to do there, but I am excited about the future for him.”