Promising Outlook for Clemson Football: Offensive Lineman Blake Miller Breaks Long-Time Record
The Clemson Tigers are gearing up to be one of the top teams in the nation as they head into the 2024 college football season. With aspirations for a spot in the expanded playoffs, the team is focusing on enhancing their offensive performance under head coach Dabo Swinney.
To secure a playoff position, Clemson’s offense needs to elevate its efficiency compared to the 2023 season. This improvement largely hinges on quarterback Cade Klubnik’s ability to deliver more explosive plays downfield. A methodical offensive approach can lead to more opportunities for errors, so minimizing turnovers and converting red zone opportunities into touchdowns will be crucial.
One of the keys to this offensive improvement lies in the performance of the offensive line, which sees significant continuity with seven of last season’s nine linemen returning. This consistency is expected to bolster the team’s performance, as Clemson previously lagged in several critical statistics.
Among the returning linemen, tackle Blake Miller stands out as a pivotal player. Despite not turning 21 until February, Miller is entering his third season as a starter and has already caught the attention of NFL scouts. Standing at 6’6” and 310 pounds, Miller is on the radar for the 2025 NFL draft. Bleacher Report has named him one of the top prospects to watch in the Power Four conferences, and he ranks No. 67 overall on the NFL Mock Draft Database, making him the sixth-ranked offensive tackle.
Max Chadwick of Pro Football Focus highlights Miller’s exceptional run-blocking abilities:
“[Miller’s] 1,952 snaps since then are the second most of any offensive tackle in college football. In 2022, he paced all true freshmen tackles with a 76.8 run-blocking grade. His 71.4 run-blocking grade this past season led all ACC tackles. He needs to improve as a pass protector, earning just a 62.5 career pass-blocking grade on true pass sets.”
Miller’s substantial playing time and run-blocking proficiency make him a compelling prospect for NFL teams. Although he has room for improvement in pass protection, his existing skills provide a strong foundation.
Currently projected as a Day 2 draft pick, Miller’s draft stock could rise significantly with improved pass protection, potentially elevating him into first-round consideration. As Clemson targets a successful season and a playoff berth, Miller’s development and performance will be integral to their offensive success.
