Competition Tight to be Clemson’s Starting Left Guard

CLEMSON — Clemson knows who four of its five offensive linemen will be when the sixth-ranked Tigers take on No. 9 LSU in the season opener on Aug. 30 at Memorial Stadium.

All-American candidate Blake Miller will start at right tackle, along side All-ACC candidates Walker Parks at right guard, center Ryan Linthicum and left tackle Tristan Leigh. The lone unknown upfront comes at left guard, where Harris Sewell and Collin Sadler have been competing for the job.

“It’s a battle,” head coach Dabo Swinney said following Saturday’s first scrimmage of fall camp.

During the short stints the media was allowed to watch practice since camp started, Sewell and Harris have both been working at left guard. Sewell has also been seen working at second-team center.

“I don’t see any form or fashion that those first seven guys are not going to play,” Swinney said. “They are all going to play. It is just too close.”

Besides Sewell and Sadler, Elyah Thurmon is the other person Swinney and offensive line coach Matt Luke believe could be a starter. Thurmon has crossed trained as a tackle and guard.

Dietrick Pennington at right guard and freshman Brayden Jacobs are two other players the coaches feel good about when it comes to getting into that first rotation.

Jacobs, who was a little banged up on Wednesday, was back at practice on Saturday, according to Swinney.

“They are all really good players, but obviously, five have to go out there and we will figure that out as we get closer to the game,” Swinney said. “But I am really pleased with that group.”

Clemson will not practice on Sunday. Instead, the players and coaches will participate in picture day, as well as other obligations before getting back on the practice fields on Monday.

The Tigers’ next scrimmage will be on Thursday at Memorial Stadium.