CLEMSON — Clemson has already completed several days of spring practice, and several players have spoken with the media, including players from the offensive line.
There are plenty of topics on the O-line this spring. The Tigers are looking for a new center to replace Will Putnam. They are also adjusting to new coach Matt Luke and much more.
Tackle Tristan Leigh and guard Marcus Tate recently spoke to the media after practice.
–Leigh dove into some of his biggest takeaways from Luke’s coaching style, speaking about his endless knowledge, and overarching passion. Even more, he commented on Luke’s “Walt Disney” mantra. “It’s not going to be perfect — but we’re striving to be perfect. His message is really family oriented. He’s all about togetherness and playing that much harder for someone when you really know them.”
–The Walt Disney story that the linemen referenced is a unique tactic and approach Luke has introduced to his athletes. Briefly summarized — Disney went to the carnival as a child and approached the merry-go-round, where he noticed some of the horses weren’t going up and down and had chipped paint. This led him to coin the phrase, “No chipped paint, all horses jump,” which Coach Luke has adopted among the offensive line.
–Leigh has gained some comfortability with the 2023 season behind him. The redshirt junior accumulated 756 offensive snaps in 13 games, with 11 starts. “I feel a lot more comfortable. The experience playing the games, going against really good pass-rushers, trial and error — you see what works for you. Now that I have a base of what my skill set is, I can keep trying to learn from others, and absorb all the knowledge I can.”
–Leigh has the willingness to learn from his fellow teammates, to promote personal growth and to advocate for the improvement of each offensive lineman he works alongside every practice. One of these teammates is Tate, who spoke about the chemistry that the group evokes. “What you need is confidence on the line, and camaraderie, and we have that now because we have a year under our belt together.” Beyond the group bond, both Tate and Leigh train together in the offseason and have built a interpersonal dynamic.
–Tate, coming off of an MCL sprain, enjoys being back at practice. “It sucks being on the sideline, but I’ve been able to regroup myself and get my head right to get where I’m at today.” The senior is a three-year starter who enters 2024 with 1,843 career offensive snaps over 32 games, and 27 starts. “I’m very focused. I have tunnel vision for what I want — especially with it being my senior year. I’m locking in more than ever.”
–Tate also gave his thoughts on working with Luke, and the accountability and responsibility he instills within the offensive line. “He’s going to tell you like it is, he’s going to correct your mistakes. Offensive line is a position where you have to be mentally tough, you have to be able to take coaching, and you have to get your job done. That is a part of being an offensive lineman, and that’s a part of being a grown man.”
—photo by Ken Ruinard / USA TODAY NETWORK
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