Looking Ahead: Defensive End
By: rmacrae@bellsouth.net January 8, 2015

By Hale McGranahan.

Defensive end won’t be as big a priority for Clemson’s 2016 signing class as it was for the  haul in 2015.

The spots left vacant by the trio of Vic Beasley, Corey Crawford and Tavaris Barnes will be filled by Austin Bryant, LaSamuel Davis and Clelin Ferrell. Fellow 2015 signees Albert Huggins and Sterling Johnson might profile best at tackle, but one or both could also see time at the position before leaving Clemson.

Redshirt juniors Martin Aiken, Kevin Dodd and Shaq Lawson are the elder statesmen of the position. Also returning to the position are Ebenezer Ogundeko and Dane Rogers, both of whom will be redshirt sophomores. Richard Yeargin who’s coming off a redshirt first year at Clemson, was the lone pick-up in the 2014 class.

With no seniors on the roster, Clemson is projected to sign no more than one next February, thus allowing Brent Venables and Marion Hobby to be selective with their take.

Norman Hand – Colleton County

One of the two best instate options, Hand’s father Norman spent 10 years in the NFL. Former North Carolina defensive coordinator Vic Koenning offered the younger Hand is first scholarship. The 6-foot-3, 225-pound prospect is rated as a three-star by Rivals.

Javon Kinlaw – Goose Creek

In addition to Clemson, several schools have already offered Kinlaw, including Alabama, East Carolina and South Carolina. Florida’s previous staff did, too. Ranked by Rivals as the No. 22 strong-side defensive end in the country, the 6-5, 275-pound three-star could potentially play offensive tackle at the next level.

Mykelle McDaniel – Loganville, Georgia – Grayson

Clemson, Georgia, Kentucky, Miami and Mississippi State are among the schools McDaniel has already received offers from, but the Dawgs are running out in front of the rest of the pack.

Chidi Okonya – Riverdale, Georgia

A visitor in June for the Dabo Swinney Football Camp, Clemson offered the No. 21 ranked strong-side defensive end (Rivals) in May. Georgia, Miami, Ole Miss, Mississippi State, Penn State and Tennessee have since jumped on board.