A year ago, Garrett Riley was still getting his feet wet. The offensive coordinator was adjusting to new players, new staff dynamics, and a system he was expected to make hum with a relatively inexperienced offense. But this spring? It’s different. It’s sharper. It’s older. And for the first time since arriving at Clemson, Riley feels like the Tigers’ offense is finally his.

But what’s fueling his excitement just as much as the returning veterans is a new wave of young talent, who — just ten practices in — have flashed the kind of potential that gets coaches grinning behind the play sheet.

For any young offensive lineman, the transition to college football is typically a rude awakening — the physicality, the speed, the demands of the system. But not this group.

Braden Jacobs, Easton Ware, Roland Vernon — they don’t just look the part; they’re earning respect from the staff. “I’ve seen physicality from all of them,” Riley said. “They’re not timid. They’re not overwhelmed. You don’t always see that from freshmen. They’re fighting. They’re grinding. And that tells you they’ve got a shot.”

While none of them are expected to start immediately, Riley made it clear: this is the foundation of the Tigers’ future up front — and the reps they’re getting now are laying the groundwork for meaningful roles this fall.

Running Wild: Gideon Davidson and Adam Randall Lead a New-Look Backfield

The running back room was always going to be a storyline this spring with Will Shipley off to the NFL and Phil Mafah recovering. That’s opened the door for some unorthodox experimentation — like moving former wideout Adam Randall into the backfield.

Randall, listed at 6-2, 225, isn’t your typical RB. He’s a matchup nightmare waiting to happen — a physical freak with receiver polish and backfield toughness.

“He’s got a different look in his eye,” Riley said. “Just a breath of fresh air from the position change. He’s been really impressive.”

Pair him with Gideon Davidson, a true freshman who runs with violence and grace, and Clemson may have discovered a versatile thunder-lightning combo.

“Gideon’s just so natural,” Riley added. “Balance, cutting, catching. He’s confident. Doesn’t get rattled. That’s hard to teach — and huge for a freshman.”

Quarterback of the Future? Chris Denson Raising Eyebrows Early

Riley has a veteran in Cade Klubnik and stability under center for the first time in his tenure. But the Tigers may also have a star-in-waiting in early enrollee Chris Denson.

“He’s unique,” Riley said. “He’s calm, composed — not phased by much. It’s all going fast for him right now, but it’ll slow down. You can already tell he’s going to be a guy that makes you say, ‘Wow.’”

The key for Denson — and the rest of Clemson’s youth movement — will be how they handle their biggest test yet: the spring game.