CLEMSON, S.C. - Getting to start has Roman Fry really starting to like college football.

A redshirt freshman tackle, the former Ironton Fighting Tigers All-Ohio lineman has been getting more and more playing time throughout the season.

Fry and senior William Henry have been sharing the left tackle spot and Fry earned his first start of the season three weeks ago against Virginia.

"It's going great. I'm having a good season," Fry said. "I didn't know going into the season what would happen. I was behind a pretty good senior. I was able to step up and play well. Once I got the chance, I proved myself."

Fry said playing at Ironton helped prepare him for his first start.

"Virginia plays a reading defense, so you just have to come off the ball and I learned how to come off the ball at a pretty good place," Fry said who got 50 of the offensive snaps.

Besides what he learned about coming off the ball, Fry also learned from the Ironton staff the old-style blocking technique instead of the extended hands taught at the college level. Fry said the old style came in handy including the last touchdown that put Clemson ahead of Virginia.

"You have to use your hands in college against a pass rush, but when it counts, I pulled back the forearms instead of the hands. I call it reverting. It works pretty well," Fry said.

Things have changed physically for Fry at Clemson. His 6-foot-4 frame is now packed with 295 pounds. He has a bench press of 385 pounds, but his 620 pound squat is on the record board at eighth on the all-time list. He also power clings 350.

"I haven't lost any speed. I still had a 33 and one-half inch vertical jump. The athletic ability hasn't changed. I'm gaining weight and getting stronger. Playing one way helps," Fry said.

The 10-man rotation used by the offensive line coach has allowed Fry a chance to play. He said there isn't much difference between the starters and the backups.

"If you start, your backup is going to play as much as anyone. (The line coach) sees who is playing the best in the game and that shows you who is going to play in the fourth quarter," Fry said.

Although he is a left tackle, Fry came to Clemson as a center. He said his versatility at playing guard in high school has helped his shift to tackle.

"In high school, you pull a lot at guard. In college, you pull more at tackle than a high school guard. At left tackle, guys call it the money spot. You play against some really good at defensive end. You have to match their athletic ability. You're on an island. That's what the NFL scouts look for," Fry said.

Oh, there is another position on the offensive line Fry has played: Tight end. The opportunity came in a goal line situation against Virginia.

"I've learned the offense inside and out. I know how to play all the positions," Fry said.

Clemson is 5-4 and may be headed to the Gator Bowl or Peach Bowl. Saturday's game not only could help the Tigers bowl chances, but it is against Florida State and will pit Clemson coach Tommy Bowden against his father, Bobby Bowden, for the fifth time.