CLEMSON — On paper, Clemson’s defense does not appear to have too many weaknesses heading into the 2024 season.

In its yearly preseason magazine, Athlon ranks the Tigers’ defense the best in the ACC, saying they have the best set of linebackers and the best secondary. Clemson’s defensive line is ranked No. 2, though it has to replace defensive ends Xavier Thomas and Justin Mascoll, as well as Tyler Davis at defensive tackle.

However, if there is an unknown on this year’s defensive unit, it comes at defensive end, where sophomore TJ Parker is its most experienced player. The Tigers moved defensive tackles Peter Woods and Caden Story to defensive end, to help with the depth and, in Woods’ case, potentially start.

“I feel like everybody that plays defensive end, we are going to be relentless in everything that we do,” Parker said. “Whether that is stopping the run or rushing the passer or getting to the ball, leading or working out.

“Anything we do, we are going to do it with relentless effort.”

Parker is not discouraged about Clemson’s lack of experience at the defensive end position. He feels there are some guys that will surprise some people this year.

“Jahiem Lawson and Cade Denhoff, those two guys have been working. They have been putting in the work right there with me and Peter,” Parker said. “I feel like they made some big improvements this spring. Our connections have become a lot better.”

Parker especially wanted to talk about Lawson’s improvement.

“He is coming along very well,” Parker said. “He is getting bigger as well, too. I see him making a big impact on our D-line this upcoming fall.”

Lawson, who came to Clemson undersized for a defensive end in 2022, added 25 pounds on his 6-foot-2 frame and is hoping to add more before the Tigers report to fall camp in late July. The former standout at Daniel High School, who is the little brother of former Clemson great Shaq Lawson, weighed 240 pounds in the spring.

“He is just a natural pass rusher. That has been in the family for years. Obviously, his brother being Shaq,” Parker said. “Now that Coach (Chris) Rumph is here, he is teaching him on why he does certain things.

“There are certain things Jahiem does, that you would not expect anyone to do. He is so natural, so he is teaching him why he does certain things and when to use it and when not to use it. It has helped him tremendously. It is more a feel thing for him. It just comes natural to him.”

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