Clemson offensive lineman no longer able to play football

Clemson offensive lineman Hunter Rayburn will no longer be able to play football.

A Clemson spokesperson confirmed Thursday afternoon that Rayburn has been shut down from playing due to neck issues.

Rayburn dealt with stingers throughout last season and Clemson’s medical staff has determined it’s no longer safe for him to play.

The redshirt junior from Florida played in nine games last season, with six starts.

With his football career over, Rayburn will transition into an off-the-field role with the Clemson program. He will now be a student assistant with the Tigers.

Rayburn was an important piece on the interior of Clemson’s offensive line last season. He played 506 snaps last season, which is the fifth-most among offensive linemen.

Rayburn started the last five games of the 2021 season, including the bowl game against Iowa State.

Clemson was set to have all five starting offensive linemen from last season back prior to the news on Rayburn.

Still, the Tigers will return left tackle Jordan McFadden, left guard Marcus Tate, right guard Will Putnam and right tackle Walker Parks. McFadden, Putnam and Parks are locked in as starters, but there could be battles for the left guard and center spot.

The Tigers will work this spring on solidifying their starters along the offensive line. Spring practice is set to start next month, with Clemson’s spring game scheduled for April 9.

Clemson had a solid season in 2021, finishing 10-3, but the Tigers had their streak of six straight College Football Playoff appearances and six straight ACC titles snapped.

Dabo Swinney’s squad is hoping to start a new streak in 2022, and the Tigers are likely to enter the season as favorites to win the league.

Clemson opens the 2022 season on Monday, Sept. 5 at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. The Tigers are likely to be led by DJ Uiagalelei, although freshman Cade Klubnik could also get into the starting QB mix.