'New position, new Sean'

Although the Clemson Tigers offensive line lost multiple experienced players from the 2018 class, the current group, which includes four seniors, could be shaping up to be just as or more dynamic than its predecessor.

Senior Sean Pollard, who previously spent time at right tackle and right guard, is expected to be an integral part of the run blocking and pass protection corps at center in front of standout quarterback Trevor Lawrence.

Pollard said the offensive line, which will be heavy on freshmen and sophomore players in 2019, has been competitive so far in practices and scrimmages during the offseason leading up to game day.

“Everybody wants to do the right thing and wants to be the best they can be, and you can see it on our practice field,” Pollard said about his fellow players. “If you don’t show up on this practice field, I don’t care if it’s an old or young guy, you’re going to get exposed because there’s some really good players here.

“Guys come in, and they are forced to be great and push you. Even though we are a small senior class, we’ve been there. We’ve been through the wars, and we’ve been through all the battles. So, they can see that and take that time to listen to us and learn.”

After getting some playing time at center during the Tigers’ game against Notre Dame in the Cotton Bowl last season, Pollard said he has acclimated to his new position.

“It’s fun,” he said. “I’m not as lost as I was last year, and now that I know the basic stuff, I’m in the playbook all the time learning more and getting more of the coaches’ trust each and every day. The big thing is just going out there and performing so the coaches know they can trust me. I really enjoy it, and it has been one of my best years so far. I’ve had a positive outlook on everything, and as I said in the spring — new position, new Sean.”

Although Clemson still lists him at 325 pounds, the center said he dropped about 25 of those pounds to be trimmer and healthier through working with coaches and a nutritionist.

"(I) explained how I needed to put more muscle on and lose this weight to where I would feel better in general,” Pollard said. “I think I dropped 25 pounds of fat and gained about 20 pounds of muscle throughout the summer. I feel a lot better and camp is going a lot easier because I just feel better and overall healthier.”