Over the next few weeks, we will take a look at each position on the football team to examine where each player stands right now in his group on the depth chart. We will look back on the 2015 season for analysis and attempt to forecast what the 2016 depth chart might look like in a few months, including early thoughts on the mid-year enrollees. Today, we continue with a look at the right tackle position…
- Jake Fruhmorgen, So.
Even though this is Fruhmorgen’s second year in the program, his natural progression into a starting role seems a year overdue. Many—including this observer—figured Fruhmorgen would overtake Joe Gore and become the second freshman tackle to start for Clemson last fall. That didn’t happen, but it wasn’t because the Floridian wasn’t ready for primetime.
Indeed, Fruhmorgen was very good in the time he spent on the field in 2015. He played more than 250 snaps a season ago in a reserve role, but no coaches are concerned about him tripling that workload—and that may even be conservative—in terms of snap count in 2016. He has the makeup to handle it well.
Continuing to fill out his frame is at the top of the priority list for Fruhmorgen this spring. He could also work on a little bit of the nastiness that has made the interior of Clemson’s line so good, although he’s probably a bit advanced in that category compared to many tackles at his age. There are no concerns whatsoever at the top of the depth chart at right tackle heading into spring.
- Maverick Morris, RS Jr./Taylor Hearn, RS So.
At this point, it’s becoming repetitive—and I’ll admit, a bit annoying—to slot these guys into pretty much every single spot on the depth chart. So instead of saying the same stuff about Morris and Hearn I’ve said on multiple occasions, I’ll just address them simultaneously. Both players will likely see repetitions at both guard and tackle in 2016, and the availability of others will probably play a determining factor in where and how much each plays.
Morris is an older player with experience at right tackle, albeit limited, from last season. He possesses a leaner frame than Hearn does, meaning he will probably get slotted in at tackle if it comes down to the two of them. However, Hearn has earned praise for his work on the edge of the offensive front, so don’t count him out entirely.
The reality is that the vast majority of the reps here will go to Fruhmorgen. That is the case across the entire offensive line with the first string, with the possible exception of left guard, where a free-for-all could potentially ensue. Unless something changes in the spring, both Morris and Hearn have been cross-trained to the point that they can easily pitch in anywhere, so they will be utilized with that in mind next season.
God Bless!
WQ
If you haven’t already order your copy today of Guts & Glory – Tales of Clemson’s Historic 2015 Football Season to help you celebrate and remember this special season.
