When Clemson returns to the field this weekend against Charleston Southern, its offensive line will look a little different.

With all of the struggles up front over the first five games of the season, the Tigers have used the open date to try and improve there. The right side of the line has been tended to be the weak link more often than not, and Easton Ware is set to take over at right guard against the Buccaneers.

After missing all of his freshman campaign due to a shoulder injury, Ware started the first game of the season at right tackle in place of an injured Collin Sadler. Outside of logging 25 snaps in the win over North Carolina, he played minimal snaps over the next three games.

That was until the Miami game, when Ware was inserted in at right guard late in the first half. Having the ability to start both inside and outside is an invaluable trait.

“I am more about being blessed with the opportunity to get experience at both,” Ware said. “I believe that helps a lineman with his value, especially going in the NFL one day. The more you know, the better. It definitely helps you understand the scheme better. I really think it helps you understand the offense, the scheme and understanding the roles of everyone on the team.”

Offensive line coach announced last week that Ware would be getting the start at right guard this week, saying the move helps the Tigers get more athleticism on the field.

“Old times, you just wanted a big body who could go out and move people,” Ware said. “That is not how football is today. I believe, as an athletic guard especially, with pulls or running out in space and going against people who run 4.4s — big guys don’t do that. So I believe being able to change on the dot, being quicker and lighter, but still strong enough to move people when you need to, I believe that puts a guard up with elite players. Going against a team like Miami, they are all athletic, so if you are not athletic, you are not going to be able to hold up with them.”

Ware was extremely effective in the loss to the Hurricanes, and the hope is that his insertion into the lineup helps bring more success to a unit that has been under heavy fire most of the season.

“I know a lot of people take it as, ‘Oh, people are saying all of this stuff about us.’ Like we need to be sad,” Ware said. “I think we look at it more as a challenge. And to prove that we belong here. A lot of people would get sad about it, but I think with our chemistry, and because we trust each other so much, we know we are going to give our best. We are going to have bumps in the road. But we are going to come out every day swinging, and we know that if we execute our job and do everything to the best of our ability, we will be one of the best.”

– Photo courtesy of Bart Boatwright/The Clemson Insider