FAYETTEVILLE — Walk-on Ty Clary became just the second true freshman offensive lineman to start the season opener in Arkansas history Thursday against Florida A&M.
Clary started at right guard in the Razorbacks’ 49-7 win at War Memorial Stadium, joining Mitch Smothers in 2011 as the only linemen to start in the opener as true freshmen.
The 6-foot-4, 286-pound Fayetteville native was listed as the second-team right guard on the depth chart, but started when the Razorbacks slid junior Johnny Gibson from right guard to right tackle in place of Brian Wallace.
“Made the decision about 10 days out that he was going to be the starter,” coach Bret Bielema said. “I didn’t release it to you guys because I didn’t want it to be the chatter. I wanted to protect him a little and let him prepare in a way that he needed to play and then he’ll be a lot better in his preparation for TCU.”
Clary had his share of impressive blocks as the Razorbacks ran for 236 yards against the FCS Rattlers. Just as importantly, he didn’t have any breakdowns in pass protection in his college debut.
“I didn’t think the moment got too big for him,” senior quarterback Austin Allen said. “He was out there composed in the huddle. It’s of course his college football game, so I thought he handled it well and he’ll continue to also get better.”
Clary arrived on campus this summer and stood out in workouts, quickly impressing strength coach Ben Herbert, who told the staff Clary was “really at a third or fourth year player (level) just strength in his lower body, which is obviously a great indicator of O-Line play,” Bielema said.
His play in the first fall scrimmage prompted coaches to promote him to the second-team guard spot for the second.
“Twos were going against the ones that scrimmage and he blocked up some of our D-Linemen that we thought were pretty good players and that’s what made the move,” Bielema said. “Still didn’t know if he was going to be a starter. He’s obviously a true freshman who was in my opinion totally under recruited.”
Wallace started the final six games at right tackle last season and worked with the first-team line in spring practice and fall camp. In mid-August, offensive coordinator Dan Enos and offensive line coach Kurt Anderson said they wanted more consistency from Wallace. He wore a radio earpiece in his helmet during camp to allow the staff to aid him.
“We were looking at trying to find our best-five combo,” Bielema said. “B-Wall and Johnny Gib had played a lot of football, but we were trying to bring them along a little bit.”
They brought Clary along a lot Thursday.
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Photos by Staff
Photos by Staff