Clemson could grow younger on offensive line

COLUMBIA, S.C. -- Clemson coach Tommy Bowden will likely go with a younger offensive line than he expected.

The Tigers (1-1) open the Atlantic Coast Conference at home Saturday against North Carolina State (1-1). And they'll do it three freshman across the offensive line in Mason Cloy, David Smith and Landon Walker.

Cloy subbed for an injured Barry Humphries while Smith came on for Jamarcus Grant. Then on Saturday night after Clemson's 45-17 win over The Citadel, starter Chris Hairston was injured after falling off his motorized scooter.

Walker would get the call should Hairston not be able to play.

Bowden also said that sophomore tight end Brian Linthicum had been granted his release after meeting with the coach. Linthicum plans to transfer.