CLEMSON – The relationships built in football stick for forever if you ask Clemson center Ryan Linthicum. For him, there’s a connection that dates back to high school.

While the two became Tigers a year apart, Linthicum and now New Orleans Saint Bryan Bresee have been friends since their days at Damascus High School in Maryland. As Bresee has taken the next step in his career, Linthicum has remained connected with him every day.

“I talk to him every day. He’s doing well, he just got surgery on his knee so he’s recovering but you know, that’s my guy. Known him forever,” Linthicum said.

Bresee had a strong rookie season with 24 total tackles, seven for loss and 4.5 sacks. Linthicum is one of his biggest supporters and even went to Atlanta to watch him play the Falcons last season.

“It was awesome. I actually caught a game in Atlanta so I was able to see him. They lost but it was just awesome to see him shine. I know a lot of people were saying he’s not going to do it and whatever but he proved everybody wrong as I knew he would. It’s awesome to see,” Linthicum said.

Just as much as Linthicum is there for Bresee, it goes both ways. The redshirt junior center is entering a spring battle for the starting center spot and Bresee has been a great mentor according to him.

When trying to improve as an offensive lineman, it’s nice to have someone who’s as dominant on the defensive end in Linthicum’s ear. It’s a relationship he cherishes every day.

“He knows me just as much as I know myself. He tells me what I need to hear, constructive criticism and stuff like that. He’s just a good leader, he’s a good role model and I appreciate him too and he knows that, I tell him that too,” Linthicum said.

As spring practice rolls along, there’s no doubt Bresee will be in communication with Linthicum in this positional battle and that’s priceless for him as he looks to take over the reins at center.