Clemson offense shooting to meet program 'standard'

CLEMSON — There are a lot of unknowns for the Clemson offense heading into the season.

The Tigers enter the year with offensive coordinator Tony Elliott calling the plays once again, but many other things have changed. Elliott is no longer coaching the running backs as C.J. Spiller has taken over that role. Legendary quarterback Trevor Lawrence is now with the Jacksonville Jaguars. Travis Etienne won’t be leading the Clemson rushing attack for the first time in four seasons. Left tackle Jackson Carman is no longer protecting the blindside from his left tackle position.

That is a lot of turnover.

The Tigers technically return just four starters from last season, but that does not mean expectations are changing for Dabo Swinney’s program. Clemson’s offense is shooting for playing to the standard in 2021.

“The standard of our offense is going to be the same, but it’s going to be different for this 2021 season for the guys that we have,” said junior offensive guard Will Putnam. “I’m really excited to kind of see these guys play because I’ve seen them during the spring, and I’ve seen them work really hard in the summer and obviously during camp, but it’s going to kind of be exciting going against someone else in a true game-time environment.

The former blue-chip recruit out of Tampa, Fla, is one of the few proven pieces on the offense. Putnam started all 12 games as a true sophomore last season and is hopeful to bolster a Clemson offensive line with much to prove. However, he’s not the only player with high expectations for the unit.

“Coach [Tony] Elliott says it every day that our goal is that we want to be able to be the best offense in the country, and I feel every day we’re at practice that we’re working towards that goal,” Tigers quarterback D.J. Uiagalelei said Monday. “We’re all super confident in our offense.”

Entering the first game of the season, the Tigers face a tall task. Georgia has a defensive roster that is littered with former blue-chip recruits and future draft picks. Head coach Kirby Smart was one of the best defensive coordinators in America when he was calling the defense for Nick Saban at Alabama. The assignment on Saturday will be tough.

However, the Tigers are not backing away from a challenge. This group knows what it takes to be the best of the best.