By William Qualkinbush.
By William Qualkinbush.
If there’s a better defensive line in the United States than Clemson’s, it plays in the National Football League. This front is deep and nasty, and it should strike fear into the hearts and minds of opposing defensive players and coordinators.
I know I like to embellish and be extreme sometimes, but this feels like the real McCoy. This defensive line could be the dominating force Clemson fans have craved in a defensive position group for a couple of decades, a part of something unique at the school.
The best thing about Clemson’s line isn’t outstanding talent, although it is there in spades. The best thing isn’t size or strength or speed. No, the best quality that can be attributed to Clemson’s defensive line is its depth. As many as eight players could start for virtually any other school in the country, giving Brent Venables a luxury few coordinators in college football are privileged to have.
The star of the group is, without question, Vic Beasley. The senior pass rusher extraordinaire spurned the NFL’s advances to come back for a run at greatness. With another monster year, he could threaten several school records, which isn’t bad for a player who began his Clemson career as a nomad.
Last season, Beasley had 23 tackles for loss and 13 sacks, meaning he spent a great deal of time in opposing backfields. He also had five quarterback hurries, forced four fumbles, and broke up six passes. Beasley has established himself as one of the nation’s top playmakers at any position.
His backup, sophomore Shaq Lawson, is one of the reserves that could start at most places. He has become a reliable option at defensive end, compiling 30 tackles (10 for loss) and four sacks during his freshman campaign in 2013. His thick frame makes him a pro prospect, even as a youngster without any career starts.
On the other side of the line of scrimmage, senior Corey Crawford is in line to be the full-time starter. However, Crawford is out for the opener against Georgia, so Tavaris Barnes will take his place. Crawford’s 44 tackles rank fourth among returners, and his presence is vital because of his ability to stuff the run on the weak side of the defensive line. Barnes has come on strong in the spring and fall, so his contributions could be an added bonus to the rotation at end. Kevin Dodd is also in the mix, but his impact will likely be negligible in relation to the rest of the rotation.
The depth at defensive end is above average, but the depth inside is out of this world. The ringleader of the defensive tackle group is Grady Jarrett. The rock solid nose guard with professional bloodlines led all linemen with 59 tackles a year ago. He added 10.5 tackles for loss and a pair of sacks, and he was a major disruptive force in every single game of the season. He is the heart and soul of the Clemson defense due to his grit and motor and should be considered a lock to be included in the 2015 NFL Draft class.
Behind him, there are a ton of similarly-positioned players. Seniors Josh Watson and Deshawn Williams lead the group, which also includes juniors Carlos Watkins and D.J. Reader. All four of these players are considered virtually even in terms of the depth chart by position coach Dan Brooks. All of them could start at some point of the season, giving the Tigers unmatched depth inside.
Watson and Williams combined for 42 tackles in 2013. Both actually complement each other well, Watson as a taller specimen with better length and Williams as a thicker player with a low center of gravity. Reader is actually listed as a co-starter with the elder statesmen. The former two-sport athlete has impressed with his quickness off the ball. Watkins is seeking redemption after a tumultuous year away from football and has the ability to put the tragedy behind him.
There are other young players who could be in the mix, like tackle Scott Pagano and end Ebenezer Ogundeko. But based on the depth available, the Clemson defensive line might not need them. This is the luxury associated with the Tigers’ front four in 2014.
God Bless!
WQ