Clemson Football: 2017 season preview and predictions

Defense

This Clemson defense over the last few seasons has been one of the more feared units in college football. Last year, the Tigers ranked in the top 25 in scoring, rushing, passing and total defense. They do lose great production from Ben Boulware, Jadar Johnson and Cordrea Tankersley. But the 2017 Clemson defense still has stars.

In the interior, the Tigers have a great pair of tackles in sophomore Dexter Lawrence and junior Christian Wilkins. Together Lawrence and Wilkins made 22 stops behind the line of scrimmage.

At the second level, Kendall Joseph will replace Ben Boulware in the middle. In terms of tackles, Joseph only had seven less than Boulware’s 131. Joseph definitely brings more athleticism at the position than Boulware. Hopefully for Clemson fans, he brings the same discipline as well. They’ll need it in the ACC.

More: Jimbo Fisher calls the ACC college football’s “premier conference”

In the secondary, Tigers return many players that hit the field in 2016. Ryan Carter and Van Smith will bring the veteran leadership for the defensive backs. Look out for sophomores Travyon Mullen and Tanner Muse to have break out years at the cornerback position. If they don’t the defense might take a step backward. There isn’t much room for error with the juggernaut that Florida State is building on offense.