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Clemson Football: 3 upperclassmen who must step up in 2022

By Dante Pryor

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - JANUARY 01: A general view of the College Football Playoff semifinal game between the Clemson Tigers and the Ohio State Buckeyes at the Allstate Sugar Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Superdome on January 01, 2021 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - JANUARY 01: A general view of the College Football Playoff semifinal game between the Clemson Tigers and the Ohio State Buckeyes at the Allstate Sugar Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Superdome on January 01, 2021 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images) /
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Jan 1, 2021; New Orleans, LA, USA; Clemson Tigers defensive lineman Bryan Bresee (11) sacks Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback Justin Fields (1) during the third quarter at Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Russell Costanza-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 1, 2021; New Orleans, LA, USA; Clemson Tigers defensive lineman Bryan Bresee (11) sacks Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback Justin Fields (1) during the third quarter at Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Russell Costanza-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Bryan Bresee, DT

Rising junior defensive tackle Bryan Bresee was one of the many injury casualties last season. The Tigers’ defense was still rock solid despite Breese playing just four games in 2021. The Tigers finished eighth in total defense last season.

The Tigers lose vital secondary and linebacking corps members, making the defense line that returns everyone that much more critical. Right in the middle of the defensive line is tackle Bryan Bresee.

On a defensive line full of four and five-stars, Bresee is arguably the best. The Maryland native flashed as a true freshman as a disruptive pass rusher on the interior and a load against the run. Bresee looks to return to the field with a vengeance after suffering a torn ACL against N.C. State last season.

Offensive coordinators will find it impossible to double-team any member on the defensive line because they can all drop anchor against the run and get to the quarterback. A healthy Bresee means nightmares for opposing coordinators.

This season is a crucial year for Bresee personally. A big season could propel him to the top of many NFL draft boards, in addition to Clemson returning to the College Football Playoff.

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