One thing is certain about the Clemson offensive line heading into spring practice. It is definitely going to look a little different.

Tristan Leigh, Blake Miller, Ryan Linthicum and Walker Parks are all gone, meaning the Tigers have a lot of experience to replace. With Brayden Jacobs, Collin Sadler and Harris Sewell all back, it’s not like the room is devoid of experience. Elyjah Thurmon also returns after an injury limited him to less than 150 snaps last season.

One question entering spring practice, which starts later this month, is whether any of the freshmen will earn some early playing time. Matt Luke signed one of the best offensive line classes in the country, and there just might be one or two of those guys capable of pushing the older players right out of the gate.

Clemson signed six offensive linemen back in December, with all but one being early enrollees. Four-star Adam Guthrie is the one who won’t enroll until the summer. The other five consist of Chance Barclay, Grant Wise, Carter Scruggs, Leo Delaney and Braden Wilmes. All but Wilmes were rated as four-stars when signing, and even he was ranked as a four-star at one time by one of the recruiting services.

Delaney and Wilmes might be the two most likely headed for a redshirt. Delaney missed most of his senior season with an injury, and both might need a little more bulk added to those big frames before being game-ready.

The other three will have opportunities, seeing as they seem to be fairly polished for true freshmen. However, we will find out exactly how polished in the spring.

It shouldn’t surprise anyone to see Scurrgs, Wise or Barclay in the two-deep once the season opener rolls around. Scruggs didn’t allow a sack during his final two seasons as a left tackle in high school. However, he could slide inside and play guard at this level.

Scruggs also played basketball, which suggests how athletic he is at 6-foot-5 and 290 pounds. It’s probably been a factor in his footwork being so good.

Wise is another stud. He is strong. Really strong. He was a decorated weight lifter in high school, while also doing some wrestling. At 6-foot-4, 300 pounds, Wise should have a shot at one of the guard spots. With the center job being open, maybe he even sees some action there.

Barclay is another guy who could come in and make some noise on the interior. At 6-foot-4, 290 pounds, he is sneaky quick for his size. And athletic.

Any of these three is capable of winning jobs on the two-deep. And with the offensive line in transition due to all of the losses, they should have ample opportunity to prove their worth.

What these six players absolutely do is make the room stronger. They provide more competition for the guys already established in the program, and quality competition makes everyone better.