Who says offensive linemen never get the glory?

To be fair, in the Atlantic Coast Conference, only one lineman gets it every week. For the past two weeks, that lineman has been Clemson center Jay Guillermo, who has gotten to bask in the glow of accomplishment for a longer span of time than most of his brethren will ever get.

Guillermo’s performance made him the first back-to-back weekly award winner on the offensive line in almost a decade at Clemson. The honors are a seismic shift from the unknown of a few months ago, when Guillermo’s future with the Clemson football team was in doubt.

“I could’ve imagined it, but I didn’t know how real it was going to be,” Guillermo said of earning those accolades less than a year after he left school altogether due to some personal issues. “I’ve worked hard. I’ve had a good support group around me. Like I’ve said, it’s been a culmination of so many people that have helped me along the way that’s gotten me to this point.”

Even though Guillermo has garnered much acclaim for his performances in wins against Georgia Tech and Boston College, a threat to his snap count has reappeared. While he was away from the team, Ryan Norton was the starter at center, and now the veteran is back from a knee injury and ready to contribute.

Guillermo says he and Norton have a great relationship and that having another body to throw into the mix can only strengthen the collective offensive line, whether he ends up playing the majority of snaps or not.

“Our coaches are going to make the right decision, no matter if he’s going out there for the first snap or I am,” said Guillermo, who is listed as the starting center for this week’s contest at Miami. “It’s really not a big worry of mine. Whatever they choose is going to be the best for the team, and I’m trying to go 15 games this year.

“There’s always competition whenever you’ve got two guys that can play really well. It’ll just be like normal, just like any other week. I’m glad that he’s back. I love the guy to death. He’s one of my better friends.”

In the midst of his success, Guillermo also has a chance to encourage another prodigal son who has returned to the team. Defensive tackle D.J. Reader is back in the fold after a hiatus to deal with some personal issues, and Guillermo has made a point to welcome him back with open arms.

“I gave him a big old hug,” Guillermo said. “I just told him I’m proud of him for being back and for doing what he’s doing.”

Reader re-enters an environment that is all about winning, as the Tigers have done in each of their first six games. Guillermo has been a big part of that success, and—in addition to film study—he attributes his individual development to one aspect in particular.

“The past few years I’ve been here, I haven’t really used my hands very well,” he said. “That’s one thing I’ve really put an emphasis on.”

Two weeks in a row, that emphasis has born fruit. Guillermo hopes to make it three down in South Beach.