Elliott, Clemson coaches challenge a different Tigers offense this spring

This time last year, Tony Elliott was dealing with different set of challenges.

Sure, the Clemson co-offensive coordinator was tasked with figuring out a quarterback situation between Trevor Lawrence and Kelly Bryant, but he was also fixing the scoring side of the ball’s biggest weakness: lack of big plays.

The Tigers were able to keep the chains moving at a winnable pace in 2017, but they ranked 59th nationally in plays of 20-plus yards.

By the end of 2018, the national champions had more plays go that distance than everybody in FBS not named Oklahoma. Lawrence had a lot to do with that, but Elliott is always pushing for improvement.

“We weren’t quite as efficient (in 2018) as we’ve been in the past,” Elliott said after Monday’s practice. “That’s an area we’re really going to challenge these guys, to make sure we stay ahead of the chains and not live on the explosive play.”

If the Tigers solve that, the sky’s the limit for an offense that returns Lawrence, four senior offensive linemen, all-time single-season leading rusher Travis Etienne and arguably the nation’s top receiving corps.

“It’s a little different group,” Elliott said. “Their chemistry is starting to come together, but we’re still a long way from where we need to be.”

Clemson will look to get closer to that point in Saturday’s annual Orange and White spring game at 2:30 p.m. on ESPN2.

“You won’t necessarily have guys next to each other who have been next to each other all spring,” Elliott said. “If we have the communication, then you’re going to have the ability to execute.”

Elliott also wants to see players compete in front of a large crowd and handle the responsibilities of protecting the quarterback and protecting the ball.

Outside of a bad practice right before spring break, Elliott said he’s pleased with how the offense has progressed and the leadership that’s still developing.

He’s coaching Etienne hard to maximize his potential.

He likes how interchangeable Sean Pollard, Gage Cervenka and Cade Stewart have been between center and guard.

With receiver Amari Rodgers out with a torn ACL, Diondre Overton, Cornell Powell and T.J. Chase have all done some good things in the slot.

“They’ve got some big shoes to fill,” Elliott said. “That was Hunter Renfrow’s position. He kind of made the trademark for what that guy’s supposed to be in the Clemson offense. By the time we get to the first game, we’re going to have a guy in there or a combination of guys that’s going to be able to fill that void.”

Elliott’s even seen his star quarterback improve since January. The sophomore Lawrence has improved his footwork to extend plays and his knowledge of the offense has allowed him to grow in other areas.

“Leadership-wise, you’re starting to see him be a little more vocal,” Elliott said. “He has the confidence to speak up and command.”