Mauldin's Ryan Norton Shining at Clemson

According to numerous reports, redshirt freshman Ryan Norton of Mauldin is building a case to become the Clemson Tigers' starting center when the team takes the field against Auburn on Sept. 1.

The former Mauldin Maverick standout, who came out of high school as one of the nation's top centers, recently was promoted to first-team as the Tigers continue their preseason camp.

Offensive coordinator Chad Norris said Norton has been one of the camp's great surprises, the Anderson Independent-Mail recently reported.

”I feel like right now Norton is in that mix as one of our top five linemen right now,” Morris said. “Where does that put him at? I don’t know. But I know this: he’s balling out right now in camp. He’s gathering a lot of people’s attention right now. He needed to. I’m excited about that. He was sick today but practiced anyway, which tells you something.”

The 6-foot-3, 270-pound Norton also has earned first-team reps at left guard, according to this report.