One of the positions football fans take for granted when they have a player that plays at a very high level and is so productive no one ever notices him is at center. If a center rarely messes up, then his skill set will go virtually unnoticed by just about everyone.

Jay Guillermo was that guy at center for the reigning national champions. Clemson’s two-time All-ACC center did such a good job in his two years as a starter it was easy to take what he did for granted. However, that might not be the case this coming year as the Tigers begin the process of finding Guillermo’s replacement when spring practice begins on March 1.

Justin Falcinelli (6-3, 305) and Zach Giella (6-5, 295) seem to be the likely candidates. Falcinelli has backed up Guillermo this season, while Giella was the third string center this past fall.

Justin Falcinelli: Clemson offensive line coach Robbie Caldwell believes Falcinelli is really growing into the position. Prior to coming to Clemson the redshirt junior never snapped the football. Caldwell has been pleased with the progress he has made because when he first started he could not even snap the ball and was throwing it everywhere. However, Falcinelli has been steady. He understands the importance of the position. He played tackle in high school so learning how to play inside has been a challenge for him. Caldwell says the biggest challenge Falcinelli has had to face is himself. Caldwell says he is so smart and playing football is so simple that sometimes he over thinks it.

Zach Giella: The redshirt sophomore will also get a chance to show what he can do at the center position. Like Falcinelli, Giella also had to move inside and learn the guard and center positions. He will not only compete for playing time at center, but he will also compete at right and left guard. He is an athletic lineman who can move well. Caldwell likes the way he has progressed in his first two years and thinks he can really help with the depth this season. He played in just five games last season and recorded 32 snaps.

Gage Cervenka: Though he still has a ways to go, Caldwell likes the progress the former defensive tackle made in his first year on the offensive line. He said Cervenka was a breath of fresh air. He gives the O-line some athleticism being a former defensive lineman that could run. Caldwell said the 6-3, 305-pound redshirt sophomore has had a great transition, but there is still a lot he has to learn. He is still learning to listen for the snap count to know when to come off the line. He is used to watching the ball and going when the ball moves. But Caldwell believes Cervenka is going to be really good for the Tigers in the future.

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