The Clemson Insider continues to look at each position on the football team to examine where each player stands right now in his group on the depth chart. We will look back on the 2015 season for analysis and attempt to forecast what the 2016 depth chart might look like in a few months, including early thoughts on the mid-year enrollees. Today, we continue with a look at one-half of the defensive tackle position…
- Carlos Watkins, RS Sr.
Realistically, this could be either Watkins or Christian Wilkins. Both players stacked up on top of one another at one defensive tackle spot last season, but now the duo has split to work alongside one another. Neither Watkins nor Wilkins is a true nose tackle, so even though this depth chart will look like a group of noses, it remains to be seen which player will line up over the center.
Wilkins stole much of the spotlight last season, but it was Watkins who enjoyed a better statistical season. He led all defensive tackles with 34 stops—including 7.5 tackles for loss—and tied for fourth on the team with 3.5 sacks. Watkins also defended four passes, including one interception. Quietly, he had a phenomenal season inside.
If Watkins does end up playing the nose at times, he will need to bulk up a little bit. Wilkins is probably a bit more prototypical for the position, but Watkins has the skill set to be effective there. The fifth-year senior will also likely be sharing reps with as many as three other players, so he should be fresh enough to contribute a ton on a per-play basis. If he shores up the technical side of his game, a hefty payday could be awaiting come NFL Draft time next year.
- Dexter Lawrence, Fr.
The guy has been called a freak, but not to his face. Lawrence has come in and immediately impacted the conversation surrounding the program, just by his immense size and strength and presence. Players like this don’t just walk into a program every day.
At 330 pounds, Lawrence is already the biggest member of the defensive line group. With the departure of D.J. Reader in the middle, Lawrence could be the best true nose tackle the Tigers have right now—and that’s saying something, given the kind of talent already in the coffers. Observers have already marveled at his ability to use his hands and quickly maneuver up front, both skills that usually have to be either taught or refined.
If he continues to play the way we’re being led to believe he is, Lawrence would probably start at the vast majority of programs in the country. At Clemson, he’ll have to wait his turn, although that’s not really true. He’ll play plenty of snaps this season, and beyond, as long as he continues to develop across the board. A summer of strength and conditioning won’t hurt him one bit, either.
- Scott Pagano, RS Jr.
There isn’t any player in Clemson’s program I feel worse for than Pagano. The guy has waited and waited for his turn, and he just can’t seem to climb the ladder. That he’s still around says a great deal about his commitment to Clemson football.
Last season, Pagano had 18 tackles while playing in all 15 of the team’s games. It’s not as if he was an occasional part of the gameplan. He was important when Reader took his personal leave of absence and was the primary backup to Reader on the depth chart when he returned. However, once Wilkins emerged and Reader got his feet underneath him, Pagano found snaps hard to come by.
On this particular team, Pagano could find a place on the field in a couple of different situations. Obviously, he will find snaps as a member of the rotation, but his value can expand situationally, as well. As a true nose tackle with a particular knack for bulling his way into the backfield, he could emerge as an option if the team decides to move Wilkins and Watkins/Huggins a bit wider and play with three down linemen at times. There are some options with this group. Time will tell whether or not Pagano proves trustworthy inside his role.
- Gage Cervenka, RS Fr.
Cervenka is coming off of a redshirt season, and it’s still not clear where he will fit on Clemson’s roster. During his recruiting, more than one person familiar with his situation told me they thought there was a good chance he would end up at offensive guard before he graduated. Given the numbers at both position groups, such a change wouldn’t be altogether surprising.
The Emerald product could certainly turn out to be a fine player. Unless he quickly progresses, however, it’s tough to see much room for playing time for him in 2016.
God Bless!
WQ