CLEMSON – The lineage of defensive linemen at Clemson is storied for many reasons. Great players and coaches have come through the Tigers program, and there’s a current coach that made a name for himself as a player at Clemson and in the NFL.

Defensive tackles coach Nick Eason was an All-ACC talent during his career from 1999-2002. He totaled 15 sacks and 30 tackles for loss, helping him become a fourth-round selection in the 2003 NFL draft. He combined 17 years of experience in the NFL as a player and coach, before he decided to return to his alma mater and join the Clemson coaching staff.

His first season in the role, he helped Bryan Bresee become a first-round pick while coaching Tyler Davis to a first-team All-ACC season. It’s a budding group in 2023 beyond the top stars, and DeMonte Capehart is one of the players rising. He’s at a career-high in tackles for loss while continuing to gain time in the rotation, and he credits a lot of his success to Eason’s coaching.

“Coach Eason, he means everything to me. He knows the game, he coaches hard. I love being coached hard. He’s literally a generational coach,” Capehart said.

During fall camp, Eason went out to Jervey Meadows in full pads and a helmet, which might confuse some people, but it’s the epitome of who he is. As a coach with so much experience, he wants to make sure his players get to see every little detail and he doesn’t shy away from running the drills and reps for his players.

He might be 43 years old, but Eason is spry as a coach. Capehart appreciates the extra work Eason puts in to teach his players, and it’s showing up for him on the field.

“He just understands what coaching is. He wants to break it down so that you understand. Not necessarily him just, he probably wants to do it but he’ll just like want to make sure that you understand what you’re doing,” Capehart said.

In an otherwise disappointing season, Clemson’s defensive tackles are continuing to evolve and it’s heavily thanks to Eason. It’s just his second season in the role for the Tigers, but the program is blessed to have him taking the defensive line to the next level.