CLEMSON — T.J. Parker is happy, but not satisfied with Clemson’s defense through two weeks of play.

After being ranked as a preseason top-eight defense in the country by 247sports, the Tigers had much to live up to. Experiencing both a victory and a defeat in their first two contests, defensive end TJ Parker is convinced that the 21st-ranked Tigers have the tools to be elite and best their next opponent, the NC State Wolfpack on Saturday (noon, ABC).

Parker previewed the NC State game earlier this week, while assessing the Tigers’ defensive performance. He was asked to describe what he saw from his squad in games one and two.

“I’ve seen a great defense,” he said. “We continue to stack days. Obviously, we weren’t satisfied with the way we lost against Georgia, but we came right back in Monday and guys had a different mindset. We flushed that game and we came in ready to focus on App State.” 

Parker shared how the camaraderie after the loss to Georgia was a big factor in succeeding at Memorial Stadium the following week.

“Everybody was locked in together which I love. Nobody fell apart, nothing like that, after the game,” he said. “We all looked at each other like we’re going to be a good team. We’re going to be a good defense.”

The Phenix City, Ala., native is no stranger to success. Parker recorded 12.5 tackles for loss last season, breaking Myles Murphy’s freshman record at Clemson. The current sophomore finished the season with multiple freshman All-American honors.

 Now, Parker is looking to the future of Clemson’s defense. Specifically, he is looking three days ahead to Saturday, when the Wolfpack descends to Death Valley to renew the annual Textile Bowl.

The Tigers have a chance to win their 10th straight home game against NC State. In the words of Parker, “We just have to keep playing our game and they’ll come to us.”