Clemson’s T.J. Parker has earned plenty of playing time this season, and the true freshman defensive end has made the most of his opportunities with a high level of productivity across the first six games of his first year as a Tiger.

Wes Goodwin met with the media on Monday, and Clemson’s defensive coordinator praised Parker when discussing what the disruptive pass rusher has shown on the field thus far – and off of it as a person – after arriving on campus as an early enrollee back in January.

“Production, going out there and doing his job and doing it really well,” Goodwin said. “You knew early on, even in January, him coming in, that he was kind of well beyond his years as far as football understanding and his technique and just his work ethic, just the type of young man that he is – really high character, a great family, all of the above.”

Parker has certainly taken advantage of his playing time while making an immediate impact for the Tigers, posting 19 total tackles and four quarterback hurries with a team-high 8.5 tackles for loss and team-best four sacks. The Alabama native leads all freshmen nationally in tackles for loss.

Goodwin acknowledged there’s areas where Parker can improve, but Goodwin loves the growth he’s seen from the 6-foot-3, 255-pounder over the course of this season.

“Just every week, he seems to get better and better,” Goodwin said. “Still needs to clean up some alignment issues and doing some small things better. But for the most part, he’s been really productive, heavy-handed, providing some good pass rush for us up front, and just brings a great energy and demeanor as well on gameday. He really understands how offenses attack us.”

Goodwin is stoked to see what’s in store for Parker as the former top-50 overall national prospect goes through the rest of his freshman campaign.

“I’m super excited about the second half and seeing where he continues to improve and grow,” Goodwin said.