There has been a lot of cross-training going on along the Clemson offensive line.

Even Walker Parks, who has been a staple at right guard in recent seasons, has worked a little at center.

In fact, when Parks got banged up during the first scrimmage of fall camp, it happened while he was working at center.

“Walker kind of got banged up playing center,” head coach Dabo Swinney said. “We have been working him at center some. We have been kind of cross-training him a little bit.”

Fortunately for the Tigers, the injury wasn’t serious, and Parks isn’t expected to miss a significant amount of time. However, with him being out, it allowed some of the other offensive linemen to do even more cross-training.

Eliyjah Thurmon recently revealed that he’s worked at all five spots during camp — a sign of just how versatile he is. Thurmon actually started a game at left tackle during his freshman campaign last year before an injury ended his season.

Harris Sewell has also gotten to work at multiple spots. Sewell has already logged more than 1,000 snaps and started eight games over his first two seasons with the Tigers.

Collin Sadler, who seems to have solidified himself as the new starter at left guard during fall camp, has also worked out at multiple positions.

“Elyjah Thurmon, Harris and Sadler, those guys have all been rolling in there,” Swinney said. “It’s been good.”

An injury limited Sadler to just two games last season, but the redshirt junior does have six starts under his belt and has logged close to 700 snaps during his Clemson career. Three of those starts came at guard and three at tackle.

While he may begin the season starting at left guard, the cross-training allows the staff some flexibility if any injuries were to impact the team.

“He is a great football player, the guy is a mauler,” Swinney said. “Collin is special. He is really good. I know that is high praise for a guy who hasn’t played much. Played a little bit, then he got hurt and missed all of last year, so he hasn’t played a ton, but he is a baller. He can play four positions. As tough as they come. Very athletic, heavy-handed, mean. He is a good player.”

Photo by Bart Boatwright