CLEMSON — With Clemson without two of its three main players at defensive end heading into the Pinstripe Bowl against Penn State, some of the younger players at the position are getting more work in practice.

Jahiem Lawson is out with an injury, and T.J. Parker has opted out to focus on NFL Draft prep, leaving the Tigers extremely shorthanded, meaning more reps for true freshman Ari Watford.

“He’s getting a lot of reps right now, and he’s still gaining confidence,” defensive coordinator Tom Allen said. “I think when you have that type of injury, to be able to come back from that, I just think there’s some time that has to elapse. So it wouldn’t surprise me if you got a chance to see him play, but at the same time, I’m really excited about his future.”

Seeing as Allen recruited Watford while he was at Penn State, the veteran assistant was fairly familiar with the true freshman when he arrived at Clemson as an early enrollee in January. However, an ACL injury would delay the beginning of his collegiate career.

As a high school senior, Watford was credited with 52 tackles, 22 tackles for loss, eight sacks, 13 quarterback hurries, three forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries in helping his team to a perfect 15-0 record and a state title in Virginia.

Now, Watford is fully healthy and back on the field. He made his Clemson debut against Furman, recording one tackle. Despite his inexperience, with the Tigers short on depth at defensive end, Watford’s next action could come against the Nittany Lions.

“Love his length, love how he plays the game,” Allen said.” I just think you’ve got to continue to gain confidence. He’s definitely been cleared, and he’s been 100 percent and all those things. This offseason is going to be huge for him. He’s a guy we expect big things from in the future. Excited for him to maximize these practice reps he is getting and this opportunity in this game and big picture wise.”

Photo by Bart Boatwright