Defensive line
Starting Ends: Clelin Ferrel, Austin Bryant
Backups: Chris Register, Justin Foster
Clelin Ferrel is a major threat to opposing offensive linemen. He racked up nearly ten sacks last season and was a first-team All-American. Passing up NFL riches for another shot at the national championship is a major win for the Tigers defense. Look for him to put in another excellent season and grab another All-American nod.
Two All-Americans on the same defensive line? Clemson also has Austin Bryant, a second-team All-American last year. The senior registered 8 and a half sacks and almost 60 tackles on the season. If Bryant can play at the same level this year Clemson may boast both first-team All-American slots at defensive end.
Chris Register and Justin Foster provide solid depth as backups at defensive end but don’t forget about No. 1 recruit Xavier Thomas who will be waiting to get his crack at opposing quarterbacks.
Starting Tackles: Dexter Lawrence, Christian Wilkins
Backups: Albert Huggins, Nyles Pinckney
Dexter Lawrence is a force on the interior line, and the defensive tackle racked up 39 tackles and five quarterback hurries last season. After earning a second-team All-ACC nod in 2016 he followed it up with a first-team All-ACC nod in 2017. This year I expect him to put in a solid campaign and grab another All-ACC nod.
The pass rushing came from Christian Wilkins at the defensive tackle position. He was able to get four sacks and eleven quarterback hurries in 2017. The combined strength and experience of all four starters on the defensive line make this arguably the best unit in college football.
Backing up Lawrence and Wilkins are Albert Huggins and Nyles Pinckney. Huggins chipped in last year with 20 tackles and five quarterback hurries while Pinckney saw limited action and finished with 18 tackles.