4-star Florida OL: ‘Coach Caldwell is a legend’

Come Sept. 1, college coaches can begin directly contacting 2023 prospects in the junior class. Orlando (Fla.) Dr. Phillips four-star offensive lineman Payton Kirkland believes an offer from Clemson may be coming his way, based on what he has heard …

Come Sept. 1, college coaches can begin directly contacting 2023 prospects in the junior class. 

Orlando (Fla.) Dr. Phillips four-star offensive lineman Payton Kirkland believes an offer from Clemson may be coming his way, based on what he has heard from offensive line coach Robbie Caldwell. 

Kirkland (6-5, 330) is ranked as the No. 9 offensive tackle in the country and the No. 123 overall prospect regardless of position in the 2023 class, per the 247Sports Composite rankings.

“Coach Caldwell told me to look for it September 1st, we got something for you,” he told The Clemson Insider.

Caldwell has been Kirkland’s primary recruiter for the Tigers.

“It means a lot,” Kirkland said regarding Clemson’s patient recruiting approach. “The majority of programs offer you because someone else offers you, but I really like that they’ve been taking the time over these past — it’s been over two years that I’ve been in contact with Clemson — I feel like it’s finally about to take it to the next level pretty soon.”

“They’re very genuine. They’re actually interested in you as a player, especially following through over these past two years,” he added. “It means a lot more than just being offered and never talked to again.”

Kirkland is quite fond of Caldwell and the rest of Clemson’s coaching staff.

“Coach Caldwell is a legend,” he said. “There’s not too many offensive line coaches that can do what he does. My impression of Coach Caldwell, he’s a great guy.”

Kirkland didn’t want this to come across as being mean, but he views Caldwell, 67, as a grandpa-Esque figure, especially because he doesn’t have a grandfather himself. 

According to Kirkland, Caldwell is a fan of his size, but he also likes the fact that he can move very well for his stature.

Kirkland got to take in Clemson earlier this summer, but it wasn’t exactly the experience he had hoped for. 

That’s because he had gotten injured the day prior to his Clemson visit, so he wasn’t really able to work out. He was taken around in a golf cart and admitted that it was hard to be a spectator at the Dabo Swinney Camp.

“I’m blessed that they’re still interested in me and that everything worked out,” he said.

Kirkland enjoyed the tour and what Clemson had to offer, but it was also tough for him because he had to crutch around the facilities.

“I’ll be definitely getting back up there, so I can actually take a visit this time,” he added. 

Kirkland doesn’t think he’ll be able to make any gameday visits this year, but he certainly plans on taking a couple of visits following the season.

Fortunately, Kirkland has received a clean bill of health and was only sidelined for three weeks after his initial injury. 

Now that he’s back healthy, Kirkland said that first and foremost, there’s a championship mindset that comes with his junior season. He’s also been able to go up against four-star outside linebacker DeMario Tolan every day in practice. 

Iron sharpens iron.

Tolan joined Dr. Phillips High School for his senior campaign and received plenty of interest from Clemson, including an official scholarship offer, before eventually committing to LSU.

With that being said, how would Kirkland describe himself as a player to someone who hasn’t seen him play before?

“I would say physical, very physical and that I play very passionately,” he said. 

Kirkland constituted his strengths as his explosiveness and playing through the whistle/his ability to finish plays.

As far as a school at the next level is concerned, Kirkland looks at players at his position and their success. He also is interested in those players who didn’t follow through with football coming out of those programs because he’d like to see life after football.

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Clemson offer would be ‘icing on the cake’ for elite in-state prospect

Kam Pringle, who is one of the top offensive linemen in the 2024 class, has been communicating with Clemson through his head coach about potential games, he told The Clemson Insider. Pringle (6-6, 300), who hails from Dorchester’s Woodland High …

Kam Pringle, who is one of the top offensive linemen in the 2024 class, has been communicating with Clemson through his head coach about potential games, he told The Clemson Insider.

Pringle (6-6, 300), who hails from Dorchester’s Woodland High School, is aiming to come up to The Valley for a couple of games this upcoming season.

He hasn’t heard too much from Clemson lately, but that has more to do with the fact that he’s a rising sophomore. The communication is limited and Pringle has to be the one to pick up the phone if he wants to talk with any college teams for that matter.

“Really just trying to get me to come to as many games as possible this season to watch them play,” Pringle said when asked what Clemson has been telling his head coach. “I’m really looking forward to it.”

That means a lot to Pringle.

“That definitely lets me know that they’re really interested and they want me around the program, see what’s going on,” he said. “They want me to get a feel for them. I’m definitely pretty happy about it because who doesn’t want to go to college games at Clemson? But, really just getting a feel for their atmosphere and whatnot.”

Pringle has talked with both Clemson offensive coordinator Tony Elliott and offensive analyst Thomas Austin on multiple occasions.

Even though he’s only a rising sophomore, Pringle has seen his recruitment skyrocket. He currently holds offers from Arizona State, Duke, Florida, Florida State, Georgia, Memphis, Middle Tennessee, South Carolina and Virginia Tech.

And, he’s not done yet.

“Of course, I have some big-time offers that people all across America want, but I’m really just trying to stay humble,” he said. “Any school that offers me, I’m gonna take it into consideration.”

Clemson is obviously different in how it goes about its business. The Tigers will wait until prospects are rising juniors to officially offer them.

“That’s definitely something I can respect,” Pringle said. “That’s something Coach Swinney’s been doing for the longest, so if he wants to take his time, it’s Dabo Swinney. You can’t say it ain’t working…Definitely building this relationship means a lot before they pull the trigger because some schools have offered me that I haven’t spoken to since the day they did it.”

Pringle is looking to build that relationship with Clemson’s coaching staff and then that eventual offer would be “icing on the cake” for him.

Right now, he’s aiming to be a five-star. That’s something he’s chasing, but that label will come with being the best offensive lineman in the 2024 class, which is Pringle’s end goal at the end of the day.

“It’s definitely big for me,” Pringle said of the national recognition he’s begun to receive. “I think how I handle it has a lot to do with it because it can be overwhelming. But, it’ll definitely be a great accomplishment for me because it’s something I’ve always wanted to be. I’ve always wanted to be the best.”

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Elite OL planning return trip to Clemson after ‘great’ visit

Soon to be a junior, this Georgia offensive lineman has been on Clemson’s radar for quite some time now. Douglasville (Ga.) South Paulding 2023 four-star Madden Sanker has been recruited a bit harder by Clemson and its coaching staff ever since he …

Soon to be a junior, this Georgia offensive lineman has been on Clemson’s radar for quite some time now.

Douglasville (Ga.) South Paulding 2023 four-star Madden Sanker has been recruited a bit harder by Clemson and its coaching staff ever since he set foot on campus this summer.

Sanker (6-4, 305) is the nation’s No. 2 interior offensive lineman and No. 79 overall prospect regardless of position according to 247Sports Composite rankings.

He recently caught up with The Clemson Insider regarding his current recruitment and what he’s been hearing from the Tigers lately.

Sanker and his father went down to Clemson for the Dabo Swinney Camp earlier this summer.

He had the opportunity to camp, showing Clemson’s coaching staff what he can do. Afterward, he went on a tour, saw the facilities, and talked with a couple of coaches. 

“All around, it was a great visit,” Sanker told TCI. “We’ll definitely be back sometime either next summer or for a game or a fall visit, but we’ll be back.”

Sanker’s contact with Clemson is limited because only he can reach out to the coaching staff. They are not able to reach out directly to him until Sept, 1. Still, Sanker’s been able to keep in contact with the staff, he has a couple of the coaches’ numbers.

Before COVID, some of the Tigers’ coaches even came to visit Sanker at his high school — South Paulding.

“We’re really excited for this September 1st mark, where we can contact each other back and forth,” Sanker said. “They can text and call and all that. So, I think that’s when I’ll get more in-depth into talking with people at Clemson.”

Sanker estimates that he’s spoken with Clemson offensive line coach Robbie Caldwell probably around five or six times. 

Clemson has really just started to recruit the talented Georgia offensive lineman. They recruited him a bit during his freshman season, but the pandemic, unfortunately, put a halt on that as it was tough, but they’ve recently picked things back up.

Sanker said that Caldwell has begun to recruit him a bit heavier since the beginning of June, which also coincides with his camp visit. 

“It’s good, we haven’t really talked about football much,” Sanker said. “We talked about football for the first one or two calls and then after that, it’s just been about my family and my home life and everything about that, like outside of football what I like to do.”

Sanker has plenty of Power 5 offers, but he doesn’t hold that coveted Clemson one just yet. 

“I like that a lot more than just throwing an offer at me and just saying, ‘here you go, you have an opportunity to come to our school,’ I’d rather build a relationship and know what I’m getting into when I receive the offer,” he said. “It’s a lot better when I know the coach and have a relationship with the coach and some of the players. I think it means a little more because I feel like I earned it, rather than just have one thrown at me.”

Sanker believes he’s working his way to a Clemson offer. 

Now that his high school has a regular season, he’ll be able to show a lot more to coaches and teams what he can really do in-game. He’s already shown them what he can do in camps, but that’s not really football in Sanker’s opinion, that’s shorts and t-shirts, which he feels like anyone can do. 

With that being said, what is Sanker exactly looking to show?

“Definitely my technique and like my feet and hand placement,” he said. “I’ve already shown my power and ability to maul people off the ball throughout my freshman and sophomore year, but some of the other players I’ve talked to have really talked to me about technique at the next level.”

Sanker talked with a couple of college football players, who have stressed the importance of technique when you’re going up against similar talent levels. In high school, you get by on your sheer ability and strength, but in college, it’s more so because of your hand placement and technique.

For his high school, Sanker has moved around quite a bit. He stepped in and played center when his team’s starting center went down with an injury. His main position is left tackle, where he’ll see the majority of his reps. He also plays on the defensive line.

At the next level, Sanker expects to be placed at either guard or center. If a team needs him to play tackle, he’ll be more than willing. Sanker’s been practicing guard when he’s been training on his own and at camps over the summer.

When asked to describe himself as a player, Sanker only needed one word to do so — aggressive.

“I’m a really nice guy when I’m off the field, but on the field, it’s business,” Sanker said.

As far as his recruitment is concerned, Sanker is “going with the flow.” Right now, he’s focused on winning a State Championship. Sanker is happy with where he’s at right now, he wouldn’t say he’s close to a decision at the moment, rather maybe sometime next summer after he takes official visits.

Sanker thinks he’ll probably drop a list of top schools during the season after conferring with his family, teammates and coaches.

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Notebook: Day 2 observations of Clemson’s offense

Clemson returned to practice on Saturday for the second day of fall camp at the practice fields behind the Allen Reeves Football Complex. Scouts from a host of NFL teams including the Broncos, Texans, Jets, Rams, Chiefs and Bengels tagged along for …

Clemson returned to practice on Saturday for the second day of fall camp at the practice fields behind the Allen Reeves Football Complex.

Scouts from a host of NFL teams including the Broncos, Texans, Jets, Rams, Chiefs and Bengels tagged along for practice to observe a host of players on both sides of the ball.

Matt Bockhorst stood out for his leadership amongst the rest of the offensive line throughout individual and team drills. He mostly played left guard but also got work at other spots on the line including a rep at center.

Here are some observations from Saturday’s two and a half hour practice in helmets only without contact.

Offensive Line

  • Offensive line coach Robbie Caldwell jumped on freshman Marcus Tate a couple of times during individual work. Bockhorst also stepped in and provided some words and wisdom for the young freshman as he works to get acclimated in a new system.
  • The starting line for most of the day consisted of left tackle Jordan McFadden, left guard Bockhorst, center Mason Trotter, right guard Will Putnam and right tackle Walker Parks.
  • The next group of offensive lineman consisted of left tackle Mitchell Mayes, left guard John Williams, center Hunter Rayburn, right guard Paul Tchio and right tackle Jordan McFadden.

Running Backs

  • Kobe Pace took the first team reps at running back on Saturday and looked impressive. He showed the same explosive speed Clemson fans saw in the spring game and boasts impressive size.
  • Pace was also the first running back to take reps in good-on-good work in the final period of practice.
  • The order during most of the drills and team work was Pace, Lyn-J Dixon, Darien Rencher and then Will Shipley.
  • Shipley’s speed is the real deal and he’s not scared to bump a little in the interior line either. He finished first in team sprints by far and turned on the jets at the second level in good on good.

Wide Receivers/Tight Ends

  • Two wide receivers entered practice with yellow jerseys which means no contact or team drills and also rehab during portions of practice. Beaux Collins and Troy Stellato both wore yellow during the second day of camp.
  • As usual head coach Dabo Swinney doubled as a key part of the wide receiver indy period of practice. He set up dummies and equipment for the drilling period and aided wide receivers coach Tyler Grisham in instruction.
  • Davis Allen looked sharp at tight end with a lot of first team reps as Braden Galloway struggled at times. Allen burnt Barrett Carter on a post route in one on ones.
  • Frank Ladson also made a nice play on the ball on a fly route against Sheridan Jones in one on ones.
  • Joseph Ngata took an awkward fall after a one on one with Andrew Booth and seemed shaken up for a few minutes. But he quickly returned to action and looked fine the rest of practice.
  • Ajou Ajou showed his athleticism and freaky ability to make plays with a snag over the top of Andrew Mukuba. He got work at both the field and boundary positions at outside receiver.
  • Jaelyn Lay is a freak of nature.
  • The receiver group did not have the best day overall with a plethora  of dropped passes.

Quarterbacks

  • D.J. Uiagalelei unsurprisingly made plenty of good looking throws. He threaded the needle on a few passes including a pass to E.J. Williams for a first down between two defenders in double coverage.
  • Uiagalelei also demonstrated his patience on making reads and not being afraid to throw to his check down routes.
  • Hunter Helms took the second team reps. But Taisun Phommachanh also got some work throwing in 7-on-7.
  • Will Taylor showed guts and was not afraid to make passes in tight window. He also broke free for a long run in team drills at the end of practice.

Team

  • The starting lineup was as follows in tempo drills for the offense: QB Uiagalelei, RB Pace, WR Ngata, WR Williams, WR Ladson, TE Allen, LT McFadden, LG Bockhorst, C Trotter (Rayburn and Bockort also repped), RG Putnam and RT Parks.
  • By the end of practice Allen took the majority of reps at tight end. Galloway ran out first in good-on-good but missed a blocking assignment on Justin Mascoll.
  • Clemson ran a formation where Pace split out to the field side on the outside of the set at wide receiver.

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4-star Michigan offensive lineman started liking Tigers because of Watson, Swinney

Clemson continues to keep tabs on this Class of 2023 prospect. West Bloomfield (Mich.) High School four-star Amir Herring has pinpointed the Tigers as a school that’s high on his list, even though he doesn’t currently hold an offer. Herring (6-5, …

Clemson continues to keep tabs on this Class of 2023 prospect.

West Bloomfield (Mich.) High School four-star Amir Herring has pinpointed the Tigers as a school that’s high on his list, even though he doesn’t currently hold an offer.

Herring (6-5, 280) is the nation’s No. 2 interior offensive lineman prospect and No. 2 recruit in the state of Michigan, according to 247Sports’ recruiting rankings.

That lack of an offer hasn’t dissuaded Herring, who told The Clemson Insider that Clemson has communicated with him that they’re still evaluating him.

Herring continues to keep a very strong relationship with Clemson offensive line coach Robbie Caldwell and offensive analyst Thomas Austin.

“My relationship with Coach Caldwell and Coach Austin is really good,” he said. “They’re both really good coaches.”

Even though he hails from the Great Lakes State, Herring has always been quite fond of the Tigers. He grew up in Michigan finding himself pulling for Clemson because of a certain National Championship winning quarterback and his head coach.

“My first impression of Clemson was great,” Hering said. “The coaching staff treated me and my family well the whole time there. Clemson was a school that I started liking because of Deshaun Watson and Coach Swinney. My relationship with Coach Caldwell and the rest of the offensive staff is really good.”

Herring has communicated with Clemson’s staff regarding a potential visit to a game this upcoming season, so the big Michigan lineman is hoping to get back to Tiger Town.

In the meantime, Herring took unofficial visits to Southern Cal and Michigan State during the quiet period.

Earlier this summer, Herring, of course, camped at Swinney Camp and visited Ohio State, Michigan, Notre Dame, LSU, Auburn, Alabama and Northwestern.

He currently holds 15 scholarships with 13 of them coming from Power 5 programs, like Michigan, Arizona State, Arkansas, Georgia Tech, Kentucky, Maryland Michigan State, Mizzou, Ole Miss, Penn State, Pitt, Purdue and Syracuse.

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Stud Alabama OL checks out ‘dream’ school Clemson

Clemson played host Thursday to a big-time offensive line prospect from Alabama. Auburn High School 2023 interior OL Bradyn Joiner traveled to campus for an unofficial visit and saw all the Tigers have to offer. “I did a whole tour of everything …

Clemson played host Thursday to a big-time offensive line prospect from Alabama.

Auburn High School 2023 interior OL Bradyn Joiner traveled to campus for an unofficial visit and saw all the Tigers have to offer.

“I did a whole tour of everything they have,” he told The Clemson Insider, “and I would say my favorite part of the visit was being on that field (at Death Valley) and watching the field. It was electric.”

Joiner, a 6-foot-4, 310-pound rising junior, made the trip to Tiger Town with his mother and younger sister.

“My mom thinks highly of Clemson. … She thinks it’s a great school,” he said.

Joiner and his family were shown around by Clemson offensive line coach Robbie Caldwell and Joiner’s area recruiter, Todd Bates.

“We were just talking about recruiting and everything they have to offer at Clemson,” he said.

Joiner owns well over two dozen offers going into his junior season. Earlier this month, he released a top 10 comprised of Georgia Tech, Michigan State, Arizona State, Indiana, UCF, Georgia, Mississippi State, Auburn, Ole Miss and Virginia Tech.

While Clemson wasn’t included among his top schools as the Tigers have not yet offered, they would certainly be one of his favorite choices if that changes and they pull the trigger moving forward.

“Clemson is one of my dream schools,” he said.

The subject of a potential offer from Clemson came up during Joiner’s conversations with the coaches.

“They were telling me it was coming,” he said.

Joiner is planning a return trip to Clemson this fall and already has a date circled on his calendar.

“I think I will be back for the Florida State game (on Oct. 30),” he said.

As for when Joiner might make his commitment decision down the road, he said it will happen “whenever I feel like the time is right.” Right now, his recruitment remains wide open.

Joiner visited UCF on Friday and, besides Clemson, he has also been to Georgia, Ole Miss, Auburn, Alabama and Georgia Tech this summer.

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Trenches will set tone between Clemson-Georgia

The Clemson offensive line faces a tall test in week one against Georgia when it squares up with one of the best defensive lines in the country. But Matt Bockhorst and his unit are up for the task, and he got excited talking about the two colliding …

The Clemson offensive line faces a tall test in week one against Georgia when it squares up with one of the best defensive lines in the country.

But Matt Bockhorst and his unit are up for the task, and he got excited talking about the two colliding in Charlotte, N.C. on Sept. 4.

“That battle is going to dictate the pace of the game, which is great because that’s the essence of football, what happens in the trenches. We’ve got a formidable opponent but as do they,” Bockhorst said at the ACC Kickoff last week.

The Tigers experienced highs and lows on the offensive line last season as it proved one of the best pass protecting units in the country but also struggled at times and finished the year with a rough outing in the Sugar Bowl loss to Ohio State.

But offensive line coach Robbie Caldwell returns a lot of experience up front this season despite losing left tackle Jackson Carman to the NFL Draft and the graduation of center Cade Stewart.  The unit returns Bockhorst for a fifth season, junior Will Putnam and redshirt junior Jordan McFadden.

Entering fall camp the unit is poised to find the best fit at center and Caldwell hopes to see McFadden take ownership at left tackle.

Bockhorst knows the importance of camp this fall ahead of the marquee matchup to kick off the season.

“You know what this camp is going to speak volumes about where we stand in that regard and we are going to be ready on Sept. 4 to execute,” Bockhorst said. “Definitely a worthy opponent and not somebody we can’t look past.”

Jordan Davis anchors the Bulldogs’ defensive line and received plenty of preseason hype with first team All-America honors by Phil Steele, second team honors by the Walter Camp Foundation and a spot on the watchlists for the Nagurski Award and Outland Trophy.

And while Bockhorst feels preseason awards are often merited it doesn’t carry any weight when the Tigers and Bulldogs renew their historic rivalry in Charlotte.

“Obviously people see potential in great players and that’s why a lot of times you get accolades but sometimes that’s not the case,” Bockhorst said “I always try to be wary of that but I know they’ve got some great players up front and we are really looking forward to it.”

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Big OL from England enjoyed Clemson visit, hoping for offer

A massive offensive line prospect from the Volunteer State, originally from England, has made the rounds this summer visiting several schools since June 1 when the NCAA recruiting dead period was lifted – including Clemson. Nashville (Tenn.) …

A massive offensive line prospect from the Volunteer State, originally from England, has made the rounds this summer visiting several schools since June 1 when the NCAA recruiting dead period was lifted – including Clemson.

Nashville (Tenn.) Franklin Road Academy four-star tackle Joe Crocker – a 6-foot-6, 310-pound rising junior in the class of 2023 – traveled to Tiger Town in June to compete at the Dabo Swinney Camp.

Crocker spent plenty of time with offensive line coach Robbie Caldwell and area recruiter Lemanski Hall while on campus.

“I enjoyed my time at Clemson!” Crocker told The Clemson Insider. “I camped and then was invited to stay and tour by Coach Caldwell and Coach Ski. My highlight was just being able to learn and talk to Coach Caldwell.”

Crocker and his family moved to Tennessee when he was in elementary school. He is originally from England but also spent time in Australia and Scotland before coming stateside.

Nashville (Tenn.) Franklin Road Academy 2023 4-star OL Joe Crocker with Clemson assistant coach Lemanski Hall at the Dabo Swinney Camp (photo courtesy of Crocker’s Twitter account)

Caldwell liked what he saw from Crocker at the Swinney Camp and hopes to get him back on campus for a game this season.

“Coach Caldwell was just telling me how well he thought I performed,” Crocker said, “and how he wants me to come back in the fall.”

The Tigers have not yet joined Crocker’s double-digit list of scholarship offers but have conveyed a message of patience to him regarding a potential offer.

“They also told me to stay patient with getting an offer as Clemson does it [the recruiting process] differently and waits to offer,” he said.

Crocker’s offer sheet currently includes Tennessee, Georgia, Kentucky, Ole Miss, Mississippi State, Virginia Tech, Virginia, Louisville, Michigan and others. He says his recruitment is “wide open” right now, though there are some schools he communicates most frequently with such as Tennessee, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi State, Virginia, Penn State and TCU.

Clemson is an offer Crocker covets and one that would give him a lot to think about after his great visit to campus last month.

“Definitely getting an offer from Clemson would be one that I would want and consider for sure!” he said.

“The family aspect and togetherness really stands out,” he added.

Crocker has also visited Tennessee, Georgia, Kentucky, Ole Miss, Mississippi State, Virginia Tech and Penn State this summer. He plans to return to Tennessee this Saturday.

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Clemson’s future at offensive line looking bright

With Jackson Carman moving onto his career in the NFL after being drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in April, the Clemson offensive line will lose its starter at left tackle and while many teams would be scrambling to find the next guy up, Clemson …

With Jackson Carman moving onto his career in the NFL after being drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in April, the Clemson offensive line will lose its starter at left tackle and while many teams would be scrambling to find the next guy up, Clemson offensive line coach Robbie Caldwell isn’t worried.

In fact, Caldwell is excited to see how returners like Jordan McFadden and Walker Parks will rise to the challenge.

“In the spring, we switched Jordan [McFadden] and Walker [Parks] around to just kind of see who was more comfortable and Jordan had done it before and Walker’s done it, so trying to create some flexibility there. They worked at it pretty well, John Williams and Mitchell Mays, they switched sides and then I ended up moving John to guard when we had a little need there, so we try to get them used to it.”

“To me, we try to teach it as it’s not so much a big deal, but it is. Your dominant foot may not be the one you’re using the most, it’s harder than it used to be, but they’ve adjusted to it well. If we started tomorrow, we’d have Jordan at left and Walker at right and then we’ll let it sort out from there.”

Sophomore Walker Parks has continued to improve in the offseason, something his coach attributes to his love for the game.

“He’s made great strides,” the offensive line coach said. “From the time he started coming to camp here and to see the work he’s put in and always a smile on his face, excited about it, I mean, if he doesn’t love it, he’s got me fooled because he just acts like he loves it. The first thing I see is his truck in the parking lot every morning and I get here pretty early.”

Jordan McFadden is another guy that continues to catch coach Caldwell’s eye. The veteran lineman is looking to have a big year and should be a real difference maker for the Tigers this fall.

“Jordan just quietly goes by because he had a heck of a year last year. He did a great job and now, technically just going to be a junior, I’d be shocked if he’s not the best in the league if he stays healthy. People look at him and he doesn’t get his due because he’s not 6’5, but you look for those diamonds in the rough, you look for those guys who play with a chip on their shoulder. That’s why Walker and Jordan, they’re difference makers.”

Clemson offer would be ‘big’ for huge in-state OL

One massive and athletic in-state offensive lineman who has a chance to become a big target for the Clemson football program in the future is Kam Pringle, a 6-foot-7, 295-pound rising sophomore from Woodland High School in Dorchester, S.C. Just a …

One massive and athletic in-state offensive lineman who has a chance to become a big target for the Clemson football program in the future is Kam Pringle, a 6-foot-7, 295-pound rising sophomore from Woodland High School in Dorchester, S.C.

Just a class of 2024 prospect, Pringle is already approaching double-digit scholarship offers, with Clemson among other power conference programs expressing interest.

Pringle visited Clemson to participate in the first session of the Dabo Swinney Camp on June 2 and impressed the coaching staff with his camp performance.

“Definitely my size, the way I can move with my size, the way I can bend,” Pringle said of what the coaches like about his game, based on the feedback he received at camp. “Coach Caldwell had me doing a lot of bending to see if I can bend pretty good. And really just accelerating off the ball and what not.”

The Tigers typically don’t offer prospects until the summer before their junior year, per Swinney’s policy. But offensive line coach Robbie Caldwell, offensive coordinator Tony Elliott and Swinney let Pringle know he is squarely on the Tigers’ recruiting radar heading into his sophomore season.

“Talking to Coach Caldwell, talking to Coach Elliott, talking a little bit to Coach Swinney, really just letting me know that they’re definitely interested,” Pringle said. “But of course they don’t offer freshmen, and they’re not going to put the offer out there that early.”

It was the first visit to Clemson for Pringle, who was given a tour of the campus and facilities following his camp workout.

“Of course, the tradition is a big thing, because they’re going to be a top team every year,” Pringle said of what stood out to him about the visit. “But their facilities are definitely really nice. Going in the football facility, looking at the locker room, the weight room, all of that, coaches’ offices … And I like the campus, too, because it’s spread out, it’s kind of quiet and it’s out there in the country. It’s not like a Georgia Tech, Georgia State, but then it’s not in the middle of nowhere at the same time.”

Pringle picked up his first offer from Georgia last October, while South Carolina, Florida, Virginia Tech, Duke and Arizona State are among the programs that have offered him this year. Along with Clemson, schools such as Georgia Tech, Florida State, Miami and Pittsburgh are showing interest.

Pringle, who is from Charleston, admitted he grew up more of a South Carolina fan than Clemson fan. But that doesn’t diminish what he thinks about the significance of a potential offer from the powerhouse in-state program down the road.

“It’d definitely be a big thing,” he said of what an offer from the Tigers would mean to him. “It’d definitely be something big, in consideration as to where I would go. Because they’re in state, they’re a top team, and of course everybody wants to get offered by Clemson or Alabama or Ohio State, a school like that. But it definitely would be a big accomplishment.”

Pringle anticipates returning to Clemson to take in multiple games at Death Valley this season. He also traveled to South Carolina, Georgia and Florida in June, and plans to visit Florida State on July 25 before heading back to South Carolina for a cookout on July 31.

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