SUNSET – The competition for the right tackle position at Clemson may be down to two players -- juniors Shaq Anthony and Joe Gore.
"You would like the starter to come from those two," offensive line coach Robbie Caldwell said today during the Dabo Swinney annual media golf outing at the Reserve at Lake Keeowee.
Caldwell said Gore and Anthony are battling for the starting role while battling to overcome separate deficiencies.
"Joe's biggest nemesis has been his hands, learning to use his hands," Caldwell said. "Athletically, physically, he has everything. He's got to do a good job studying and learning. So much happens on the edge, you've got to communicate.
"You've got to let people know what's going on. He's hasn't played with his eyes really well, but the experience is coming now. You've got to take on that responsibility, if you want to be the man."
Conversely, Anthony is still reprogramming.
"He came from a throwing system, which is great. Everybody does that," Caldwell said, alluding to the spread offense Anthony played in at Wren High under coach Jeff Tate.
"Run-blocking has been his nemesis," Caldwell said. "He's really improved that. He had a great spring. It's coming. He's added weight. He's gotten stronger. He's got to commit himself to doing that and learning to play with his pads down."
While he could seize the starting role ultimately, Anthony definitely will not start the season opener against Georgia. He was one of four players coach Dabo Swinney suspended for the opener after violating team rules. David Beasley, a projected starter at guard, also was suspended in that group.
"I'm sure it's going to impact us, but we have to pick up and go," Caldwell said. "Somebody's got to step up. The guys behind them ought to be just ecstatic. Now is your opportunity. Let's see if you can grab it and go.
"Who knows? We may develop another starter out of it, and those people may not get their job back."
Caldwell said junior Eric Mac Lain, who was converted from tight end, could add depth at tackle beyond the suspensions. He has trained primarily at guard but also is recovering from a foot injury sustained during spring practice. Caldwell said redshirt freshman Maverick Morris could push into the rotation.
"We'd like to play more people, especially during these hot days, but it's hard to move people in and out of the offensive line, because there's so much going on," Caldwell said. "Nobody sits still any more. Used to, you could teach a trash can to block pretty good, when everybody just sat in one spot.
"But now you've got to think. You've got to play with your eyes. You've got to see what's going on. Not trying to be an ambassador to make everybody happy. You've got to earn that right to play. If you do, you will."
