Vic Beasley didn’t set the trend of the big-time Clemson defensive end.

For one season, Marion Hobby coached the player who did.

“I like to tell Vic there was another guy that was something. He was bigger than Vic, but just as talented, too. That’s Mr. Gaines Adams. That guy was kind of special, too,” Hobby said. “You take the big guy, DaQuan Bowers. Then, you had Malliciah Goodman come in. You had Ricky Sapp that could run that edge.”

Corey Crawford and Tavaris Barnes round out the run of defensive end that played at Clemson over the last decade. Shaq Lawson will join them in the NFL as early as next year.

“I always tell those guys, you have something to live up to, being a defensive end at Clemson,” Hobby said. “That should mean something. When somebody sees you at the mall, they say, what position do you play? I play defensive end. Where? At Clemson.

“They should look at you different, because that is saying that you’re one of the bigger, better, fastest athletes on the team.”

When Hobby hits the recruiting trail in search of the next great Clemson defensive end, those are the type of players he tries to find.

“I like toughness. I’m looking for guys who will hit you. My position is hard to coach if they won’t hit you, if they don’t have toughness,” Hobby said. “Then, you get to their skill level. Can they move their feet? How quick are they? Can they play? Using their hands is a plus, if they’re already natural with them. That’s something that can be taught. And guys who play with a good motor.”

Hobby would know what they look like. After playing at Tennessee, he played three seasons in the NFL.

“These coaches know, I like big guys,” Hobby said. “I like tall, rangy guys. There is an exception to every rule. Unless there’s a guy — his speed changes the game, what he does natural changes the game — it’s like when Vic first moved from linebacker to defensive end. I remember when he got in the first pass rush (drill), he said, What do you want me to do? Do whatever you want. I’ll coach you off of that.”

He added, “You can have a small, fast guy, but if you get too many of them, we’re not going to be able to stop the run. We know, if you can’t stop the run, you’re not going to be able to win too many football games.

“Then, you’ve got the big guy, who’s the power guy. But you don’t want to get too many of them, because you’re going to lose on the speed edge. I always want to sign what I don’t have, if that makes sense.

“With Vic walking out that door, who’s the next speed rusher? LaSamuel Davis can rush that passer. (Austin) Bryant can rush the passer. Clelin (Ferrell), he’s a thicker guy, he’s a more point of attack guy.”