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New Clemson football assistant Matt Luke hasn't been shy if offensive line makes mistake
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- New Clemson football assistant Matt Luke hasn't been shy if offensive line makes mistake
CLEMSON – Clemson football has showcased its projected starting offensive line that is expected to be better under new offensive line coach Matt Luke.
Granted, there have only been two spring practices.
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The first-team offensive line features Tristan Leigh (left tackle), Collin Sadler (left guard), Ryan Linthicum (center), Marcus Tate (right guard) and Blake Miller (right tackle). The unit is getting to really work and learn with Luke after a rough showing to end the 2023 season at the Gator Bowl against Kentucky when it gave up eight sacks.
"He demands excellence out of all of us," Tate said after Friday's second practice. "That's going to be really good for our offensive line because we got to pick it up."
Luke, who originally walked away from football in February 2022 to spend more time with his family, signed a three-year deal to be Clemson's offensive line coach in December. The former Ole Miss coach took over for Thomas Austin , whose unit gave up 28 sacks in back-to-back seasons.
Coach Dabo Swinney pointed out Wednesday that Clemson's offense had too many turnovers, sacks and tackles for loss last season. An improved offensive line will help Clemson get back on track, and Swinney is hoping Luke will be the catalyst.
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Luke has been preaching physicality, proper technique and eye discipline to his players, and he hasn't been shy to get on them if they make a mistake.
"The one thing I love about coach Luke is his intensity," Miller said. "He definitely brings that contagious energy. It makes everyone else have that energy, too."
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Sadler, who started five times last year (three at left tackle; two at guard), continues to start in place of Walker Parks, who is still recovering from his September lower body injury that ended his 2023 season. The good news is Swinney said Parks is expected to begin individual drills near the end of spring practice.
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Linthicum working with the first team is a positive sign for him as he battles Harris Sewell and Trent Howard for starting center. Sewell has been the backup center, and Howard played right guard with the second team so far.
Although his first showing with the Tigers wasn't ideal, Luke is an experienced coach and recruiter, who has a wealth of knowledge on NFL-level offensive linemen. Players have picked his brain about individuals he recruited, like Houston Texans tackle Laremy Tunsil and former Ole Miss tackles Michael Oher and Greg Little .
"His knowledge is unlike anything (I've seen)," Leigh said.
Derrian Carter covers Clemson athletics for The Greenville News and the USA TODAY Network. Email him at dcarter@gannett.com and follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter, @DerrianCarter00
This article originally appeared on Greenville News: Clemson football assistant Matt Luke connecting with offensive line
