Is there any position on the Clemson team you feel better about than at defensive tackle?
Clemson is loaded in the middle of its defensive line. The Tigers are nine deep at the position, beginning with senior Carlos Watkins and ending with freshman sensation Dexter Lawrence. In between is Freshman All-American Christian Wilkins, veteran starter Scott Pagano and up-and-comers such as Albert Huggins, Sterling Johnson and Nyles Pickney.
With all these bodies at the tackle positions, one of the most asked questions I get is will someone move out to help with the depth at defensive end?
As of right now, there has not been any word that one of the defensive tackles are moving to defensive end, but logical candidates are guys like Huggins, who played defensive end in high school, and Johnson. Huggins seems to be the most equipped for it. He practiced at defensive end last year before he was moved back inside where he is more comfortable and natural at playing.
How much will participating in spring drills help Dexter Lawrence? I think it will help a great deal. What makes defensive tackles coach Dan Brooks so great is the fact he demands the best from his players. He expects them to be ready when their name is called. With Lawrence already on campus, it allows him to learn his position, his technique and the defense, while also adjusting to Brooks’ coaching style. It’s a win-win for all parties involved.
Who can we see make big strides this spring? Besides Huggins and Johnson, I’m curious to see what a guy like Jabril Robinson can do. Last year he played in six games and recorded 14 tackles, including one sack. At 6-foot-3, 285 pounds he is small compared to Lawrence (6-5, 340) and Wilkins (6-5, 315), but he is quick and he is athletic. This will be a big spring for Robinson to see how far he has come and where he can fit in Brooks’ rotation at the tackle positions. You wonder if he isn’t able to get more into the rotation if the coaches begin to think about moving him to another position.
How good can Watkins be? I think Carlos Watkins is one of the more underrated players on this defense. Watkins finished eighth on the team in tackles with 61 in 2015, while playing in 14 games and starting 13 of them. He also had six tackles for loss and two sacks as he clogged up the middle and consistently took on double teams. He also showed his athleticism when he dropped back into coverage against App State and picked off a pass, which he returned 15 yards for a touchdown. Watkins considered going pro this year, but in the end he figured he still had more to learn and decided to come back for one more season and play for Brooks. If Watkins can put up similar numbers this season, which I expect him to do, then there is no reason for him not to be an All-ACC caliber player and potential first-round draft pick.
Defensive Tackle – 9
Carlos Watkins (RS Senior)
Scott Pagano (RS Junior)
Christian Wilkins (Sophomore)
Jabril Robinson (RS Sophomore)
Albert Huggins (Sophomore)
Sterling Johnson (RS Freshman)
Gage Cervenka (RS Freshman)
Dexter Lawrence (Freshman) ###
Nyles Pinckney (Freshman) ###
### — indicates early enrollee
Photo credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports
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