CLEMSON – The injection of offensive line coach Matt Luke is best reflected in the impact he’s made on players quickly.

Clemson offensive lineman Tristan Leigh was one of the players that had to adjust to a new coach in preparation for a bowl game. That’s not easy, but Luke’s arrival went smoothly and his passion is a heavy reason for it.

“My first takeaway is how passionate he is. We were talking in the room, he was with us for 10 practices and after we won the Gator Bowl, I see him crying with his family. It means a lot to him,” Leigh said.

One emphasis Luke has made is bringing “togetherness” to the offensive line room. It’s not something that was lacking so to say, but Luke is making it a necessity for the group to be close off the field so the on field five matches the same close-knit nature.

Luke said “you play that much harder” for a teammate when you really know them and the same goes for the Tigers front playing for their coach. He’s brought a jolt of energy, and the pedigree Luke has as an offensive line coach brings another level.

“He’s a great coach for me and for our room because we feed off our energy. He’s our leader and we feed off of it and he’s in the locker room not just addressing us, the whole team. He’s an alpha dog, guys follow him, guys listen to him,” Leigh said.

The passion is one thing, but the knowledge Luke possesses is impressive to Leigh. He recalled information that Luke gave him on some of the NFL’s best like Laremy Tunsil and Greg Little, quickly giving him ways to improve and model his game.

“His knowledge is unlike anything. He’s been coaching for so long, his experience is crazy. I can go to him and ask questions about guys that are dominating in the league now…there really isn’t a limit to his knowledge and that’s what I love about him,” Leigh said.

Clemson’s offensive line will field a new center in 2024 and is crafting its best five before the fall. Leigh is expected to start at left tackle and Luke’s impact is pushing him for a big junior season.