A big part of Clemson’s national titles in 2016 and 2018 was its defensive line.

While those offenses, led by quarterbacks Deshaun Watson and Trevor Lawrence, deserve a lot of credit, it was that defensive front that featured players like Christian Wilkins, Dexter Lawrence, Clelin Ferrell, Carlos Watkins and Austin Bryant that tended to set the tone. They were so good that three of those players went on to be first-round NFL Draft picks.

This year’s front four also features plenty of talent, with Peter Woods and TJ Parker both being projected by many as first-rounders in next spring’s draft. Depending on what type of season he has, DeMonte Capehart could also potentially hear his name called in the higher rounds.

However, none of those guys are overly worried about their draft status at this time. They are more focused on chasing greatness, just like that group before them did in the past.

“They’ve done it twice. There is no way we can deny their greatness,” Parker said. “They have done it and we are trying to chase what they have done. We are trying to get into that room. Right now, we are outside knocking to see if we can get in there.”

It’s not uncommon to see some of those players who made up the Power Rangers on campus during the summer months as they prepare for the grueling NFL season ahead. For Parker personally, he has taken full advantage of every opportunity he gets to spend time with those former Clemson greats.

“I love those guys, they come every offseason,” Parker said. “It is fun trying to pick their brains, watch film with them, learn from them, and understand what they went through being here and what they have seen on the other side being in the league.”

Parker has grown particularly close with Ferrell, who was taken No. 4 overall by the Raiders in the 2019 draft. He spent last season with the 49ers, starting 10 of the 14 regular-season games, and back in March he signed a one-year deal with Washington for the 2025 campaign.

“Coach Swinney talks about them all the time, they are all over Clemson, the walls, stuff like that,” Parker added. “I was excited to meet him, and from there we just started talking. Giving me pointers on what to do, and how to handle situations.”

Ferrell has served as a mentor of sorts for Parker, a relationship that dates back to the rising junior’s first season at Clemson.

“We talk a lot. I even went down to Florida when I was down there and we spent a little time together,” Parker said. “It has been awesome learning from him, just seeing his experience and what he’s gone through.”

Parker is looking to build on a strong sophomore campaign that saw him post 64 tackles, 19.5 tackles for loss and 11 sacks. His six forced fumbles also set a new program record.

As much as he’s learned from his time with Ferrell, one of the biggest lessons has been preparing him for what will happen when he’s ready to make the jump to the professional ranks.

“Just staying down, Parker said. “He was one of the guys who went high in the draft, and he has told me about the expectations people are going to have. Just how to stay down, keep working, and don’t listen to all that.”