Battle-Tested Offensive Lineman Eric Mac Lain Hopes to Make NFL Dream Come True

It’s not often a star offensive lineman from a major college program coming off a national title appearance flies under the NFL draft radar, but that’s exactly where you’ll find Clemson’s Eric Mac Lain.

Despite helping anchor a unit that paved the way for one of the most prolific offenses in college football last season, Mac Lain is widely regarded as a late-round pick or potential undrafted free agent. A first-team All-ACC pick in 2015, Mac Lain brings plenty of potential to the table, along with the coachable approach NFL teams should love.

A converted tight end with plenty of athleticism and strength, Mac Lain made a seamless transition deeper into the trenches, where he found plenty of success and is ready to prove he can do the same in the NFL.

Growing up in a military family—Eric’s dad, Michael, serves in the United States Air Force—learned plenty about the value of a strong work ethic. He carried that onto the football field, where he became a highly sought-after recruit at tight end.

Despite interest from several major programs, Mac Lain knew Clemson was home.

“As soon as you walk on campus, you can feel it,” Mac Lain says. “You just get that feeling that you’re right at home. I just really felt the opportunity to help change the culture of a place that had kind of gotten away from expecting to win ACC championships, expecting to be in the big bowl games.”

It wasn’t just the atmosphere that drew Mac Lain in, but his fellow incoming teammates.

“The guys we had coming in like Stephone Anthony, Grady Jarrett…guys who were already there like Tajh Boyd, Dwayne Allen…I thought that with these guys, we could really have a huge impact and make a culture change, and I think we did it.”

Mac Lain likely had his heart set on being the next Jimmy Graham, but after injuries depleted the Tigers offensive line, the idea crossed his mind to possibly switch positions. After talking it over with his roommates—both offensive linemen—and his coaches, the decision was made.

Mac Lain gained over 60 pounds in one offseason to help facilitate the position change, and his presence helped give Clemson some much-needed depth up front. After seeing limited playing time as a reserve in 2013 and 2014, he became a valuable starter as a senior, helping the Tigers to a conference title and a playoff run.

Mac Lain’s experience with a …

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