CLEMSON – The Clemson coaching staff goes through all the details during the recruiting process. Watching film, going through visits and all the works, but you never really know what you’re getting until these freshmen arrive on campus.

For freshman defensive end T.J. Parker, we’ve seen a prolific pass rusher through six games. The team leader in sacks with four and he’s second in quarterback hurries with 10, only behind Xavier Thomas according to PFF.

Oddly enough, Parker has an extremely similar frame to Thomas and is producing just like he did during his freshman season. From the day he arrived at the facility, defensive coordinator Wes Goodwin knew this was coming and it’s paid off wonderfully.

“You knew early on, even in January, him coming in, that he was 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. Great family, all of the above,” Goodwin said.

Parker arriving in January also played into his early success. He’s spent almost a year in the Clemson facilities now,  and the acclimation happened rapidly.

Still, Goodwin believes it’s just the tip of the iceberg for the frosh star. This is just Year 1, and he’s only improving.

“Every week, he seems to be getting better and better. Still needs to clean up some alignment issues and doing some small things better, but for the most part, he’s been really productive,” Goodwin said.

The Tigers defensive coordinator went on to say Parker is “heavy-handed” and he’s excited to see the next step. As Clemson continues to prove their defense is a force, Parker is a key cog in the machine for a ferocious Tigers pass rush.