ACC Football: Top 10 players heading into spring games

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Dec 3, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Clemson Tigers defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence (90) sacks Virginia Tech Hokies quarterback Jerod Evans (4) during the second half of the ACC Championship college football game at Camping World Stadium. The Clemson Tigers defeat the Virginia Tech Hokies 42-35. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports /

Clemson Tigers defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence earned Freshman All-American and ACC Defensive Rookie of the Year honors on his way to a National Championship in his first year. He leads a strong Tigers defensive front this spring and he’s sure to be more explosive.

Lawrence had 62 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks and two fumble recoveries in 14 games for the defending National Champions last year. The first-year defensive tackle had a big opening and finish to the season as a second team All-ACC honoree.

He had seven tackles and a sack in the team’s season opening 19-13 victory over the Auburn Tigers. He recorded four tackles and a career-high two sacks in the team’s 42-35 ACC Championship victory over the Virginia Tech Hokies. Lawrence finished second on the team in sacks a season ago.

The spring will preview how Lawrence has developed on the Tigers defense along with a lot of other returning starters. They’ll need to replace departed senior defensive tackle Carlos Watkins but with Lawrence and others on the field, they should be okay.

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