The five players that will shape Clemson's 2023 season

The group of players that will define Clemson this fall.

Okay, no, this isn't a top 5 list. Sorry to disappoint. It is, however, a piece on the five players who will have the biggest say in how Clemson performs this fall. The group of individuals that have the most impact on whether or not Clemson returns to the College Football Playoff: the offensive line.

New offensive coordinator Garrett Riley will have to find what works best for Cade Klubnik, which receiver can step up, and how to best utilize Will Shipley, but none of that matters if Clemson struggles on the offensive line.

The Tigers return four out of five players up front, as left tackle Jordan McFadden was the lines only departure this past spring. We don't yet know if Freshmen All-American Blake Miller will kick over from right tackle to left tackle to replace McFadden or if Tristan Leigh will take the spot, but we can assume they'll be Clemson's starting tackles one way or the other. Marcus Tate and Walker Parks return at guard, while Will Putnam is back at center.

The importance of those five can't be overstated. Just look at some of the most recent national champions. Georgia has won back-to-back titles. They've had four offensive linemen selected over the past two NFL Drafts. Prior to that, it was Alabama in 2020. The Tide had three offensive linemen drafted that spring. LSU had three offensive linemen selected in the Draft following their 2019 championship. The list goes on and on and on. 

If these five guys up front are anything less than great, Clemson isn't making it back to the CFP, there are just too many talented teams in college football. Even above-average play on the line will lead to another double-digit win season that leaves fans feeling disappointed. Clemson has elite expectations in 2023. They'll need elite play from their line to reach them.

More Clemson Football News:

• Dabo Swinney comments on Clemson's freshman class prior to fall camp
• Conference Realignment: What Oregon and Washington's jump means for Clemson
• Garrett Riley named one of the "most interesting new coordinators" by ESPN

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