Minnesota Vikings offensive tackle T.J. Clemmings stood tall after practice Friday, not waivering when asked about the switch from defensive end to offensive tackle in college, and how it ultimately was the hinging factor in him winding up in the NFL.
“I mean, I'm one-hundred percent thankful for the transition because I would not be here in the NFL I believe if I didn't make the switch,” Clemmings said with a deep chuckle.
After being recruited to play basketball, Clemmings was convinced he could rush the passer when he declared to Pittsburgh. After struggling through up-and-down freshman and sophomore campaigns, his coaching staff brought an idea to the table that would be the eventual resurrection of his football career. Like any drastic decision we make in our lives, Clemmings was hesitant at first knowing their would be a steep learning curve throughout the process.
“The transition was tough, new terminology, new position, just a new way of playing football, but I was able to make it and it worked out well,” Clemmings said.
After watching Clemmings down in Mobile, AL. at the Reese’s Senior Bowl, I have acquired a sample size of just how much the 23-year-old has had to go through and try to process during a hectic six-month period.
From Alabama to Indianapolis for the NFL combine, to being drafted, to the team's offseason programs, and now here in Mankato for the first of what should be many training camps, Clemmings said he’s taken everything in stride by staying strong mentally, and using his resources around him to continue to improve.
“You gotta keep your head on your shoulders man, you can't get too overwhelmed.” Clemmings spoke. “What I try to do is keep up with the vets mentally, I just try to learn a little bit as the days go from everybody who wants to help.”
When I asked Clemmings when questions arose with the playbook or anything football related if there was one guy in particular he felt more comfortable going to talk to above the rest to seek out advice or help without hesitation he chuckled, “John Sullivan, he knows everything.”
Clemmings has already had the chore of switching positions once since being drafted when coaches started him inside at the guard position, but then later made the decision he would be best suited back outside at right-tackle. With Phil Loadholt already stretched as the Vikings starter for what coaches and fans hope will be many more year, Clemmings said he’s not discouraged that a likely backup role is waiting for him for what could be some time.
“I’m here to learn the game of football, and Phil is a guy who is helping me do that so everyday i'm going to come out and give what I have.”
From talking with him at Senior Bowl to training camp Clemmings has been consistent in his ways, tackling his challenges and obstacles with day-by-day approach while using a positive mindset. Likely a strong reason general manager Rick Spielman was confident in pulling the trigger and giving the humble and highly talented prospect a chance, despite a draft profile of running hot and cold as a “raw” player, and a mysterious foot injury that raised red flags.
As long as Clemmings is around, coaches and teammates know what they're getting. Despite what will surely be a quiet rookie season, it’s attitudes and mindsets like Clemmings that Spielman and coach Zimmer are trying to infest the locker room with to create a smart, tough, and intelligent football team for many years to come.
Watch Luke Inman's entire interview with TJ Clemmings here.
Follow Luke Inman on Twitter @Luke_Spinman