Dabo Swinney reveals main goals for Tristan Leigh entering summer

Clemson returns four starters on its offensive line but must replace starting left tackle Jordan McFadden, who was a three-year starter for the Tigers.

One of the players competing to step into the starting left tackle role is redshirt sophomore Tristan Leigh.

The Virginia native signed with Clemson in the class of 2021 as a five-star recruit and the No. 24 overall player in the country, according to the On3 Industry rankings.

Leigh played only 70 snaps over seven games in his first two seasons at Clemson, but he is on track to be a much bigger part of the offense this fall and could end up in a starter role.

Tigers coach Dabo Swinney was asked after the spring game what he wants to see from Leigh this summer, ahead of his redshirt sophomore season.

“Just continue the track he’s on. Don’t change anything,” Swinney said. “He’s a grinder. He’s got a plan every day, every week, every month. So just continue to make that progression and build on what he did. He’ll come into August with sky-high confidence because of what he did this spring.”

Leigh received plenty of starter reps this spring as Clemson was banged up on the offensive line.

The Tigers were without Marcus Tate and Walker Parks all spring as they recovered from injuries suffered last season.

Leigh took advantage of his extra reps and took a major step forward.

“With Tate and Parks out all spring, it really allowed him to settle in. His effort is amazing. And any time you’re a great effort guy, you usually at some point become consistent and confident. And that’s what I’ve seen with Tristan,” Swinney said. “He’s put great effort in, and his consistency and confidence is the best it’s been since he’s been here.”

While Leigh has made progress, Swinney warned that he still isn’t a finished product.

Still, Leigh has started to perform closer to his potential and is showing why he was a five-star recruit coming out of Robinson High in Fairfax, Virginia.

Now the challenge for Leigh is to improve even more over the next few months, before the start of Clemson fall camp.

“Continue to get stronger. Continue on that body composition that he’s been working on. Continue with his flexibility. Continue with his footwork, his fundamentals and technique,” Swinney said. “All the things that he does every day, just keep going. And if he does, he’s going to keep getting better.”