Clemson assistant Matt Luke is generally pleased with the progress of his freshman offensive linemen.

On Wednesday, Luke provided updates on several of his first-year players.

Luke revealed Easton Ware was working as the backup right tackle before a shoulder injury cut his debut season short. His loss certainly impacts depth.

Brayden Jacobs is listed as the backup to Tristan Leigh on the depth chart at left tackle and has played eight snaps through the first four games. His most extensive action came against Troy, when he logged five offensive snaps. Jacobs was the second-highest-rated recruit in the Tigers’ last signing class.

“Probably just not quite ready yet,” Luke said of Jacobs. “But he is going to be really, really good. Really pleased with where he is. I think he has a bright, bright future.”

One of the more versatile linemen from the 2025 class is Gavin Blanchard. The former three-star recruit is capable of playing all three spots on the interior, with some seeing him as a potential center of the future.

“Gavin is working in there some at both guards and center,” Luke said. “He gives us the ability to do that. It is hard to play center, especially as a young guy. But he has done really, really well with that.”

“He’s tough, he loves football, he will compete. He has all the qualities that you are looking for. Just loves football. Always sending you questions at night with videos, ‘Hey coach, what can I do better here? What should I do here?”

Tucker Kattus and Rowan Byrne, both former three-star prospects, have mostly worked with the scout team to this point.

“They both obviously have size and potential,” Luke said. “But I see Gavin, Brayden and Easton a little bit more just because they are up there with me.”

Photo courtesy of Bart Boatwright