On Saturdays, junior center Will Clapp is charged with making calls on blocking assignments, protecting senior quarterback Danny Etling and opening holes for LSU’s run game.
In his first two seasons, Clapp has collected accolades such as first team All-SEC and freshman All-American.
The key? Cookies.
Clapp said he used to eat nine cookies the night before a game at the team’s hotel and “always one” on gameday.
However, Clapp’s days as LSU’s cookie monster have ended. Etling has created a specific cookie diet plan for Clapp.
“I just feel like it was affecting his back,” Etling said. “He was getting too top-heavy on the front side, so I think it just evens itself out. I used to give him all my cookies, but now we are on a diet plan. Two cookies the night before and one cookie the day of.”
Clapp, at 6-foot-5 and 314-pounds, has led the way for an offense that averages 191 rushing yards a game.
“I don’t know if he’s playing better, but I think he’s feeling better,” Etling said. “I don’t wanna speak for both of us though.”
The Tigers will need Clapp to play even better than he has after losing both starting tackles in senior K.J. Malone and junior Toby Weathersby for anundisclosed period of time.
Freshman Saahdiq Charles and redshirt sophomore Adrian Magee made their first career starts at left and right tackle in LSU’s 27-23 win against Auburn.
“I think they did a good job,” Etling said. “We got the job done, and they knew their responsibilities and really improved throughout the game. I think they will do an even better job this week.”
With inexperience across the offensive line, Clapp is currently the only starter with more than seven career starts.
“It’s always good rolling with different guys,” Clapp said. “It keeps it interesting — keeps [offensive line coach Jeff Grimes] alive. I’ve been enjoying it.”
The biggest challenge for Clapp isn’t going to be on the field but off of it.
“You haven’t been challenged yet because we haven’t gone to a movie the night before a game since we’ve put you on the plan,” Etling said. “It’s going to be tough for him to keep this going.”
“I know,” Clapp said. “It’s a big week this week for the movie. One cookie will be rough.”