There are not many productive players out there who would jump from one position to another in the middle of the spring and be happy doing it. But there are not many players like Clemson’s Christian Wilkins either.

The sophomore, who is expected to challenge for the starting job at nose tackle when camp begins in August, spent a good part of his spring experiment at defensive end. However, the experiment might turn into something more permanent.

“There is a lot to learn, but he has done a really good job,” Clemson defensive coordinator Brent Venables said.

Wilkins did such a good job, Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney said the 6-foot-4, 315-pound athlete has eased his mind somewhat when it comes to experience and leadership at end. Right now, the Tigers have sophomore Austin Bryant, who played sparingly last season as a reserve, as the most veteran player at the position.

“That is probably the best thing to come out of spring practice, for me as a coach,” Swinney said. “Seeing him mentally being able to (play end) … (Coach Dan) Brooks was a little worried coming into the spring because he knew we were going to challenge him in that regard. You don’t want to lessen what he is really good at, but you have to find out, mentally, he just has a great understanding,”

As Venables said there is still a lot for Wilkins to learn at the position, but he was impressed with the way the sophomore was able to pick up things quickly and immediately became effective. Venables said he did a good job understanding his assignments, and where to go with his eyes.

For Wilkins, it was just a lot of fun to do something different.

“I have enjoyed it a lot. I’m glad the coaches have enough faith in me and are doing a good enough job to have me in a position to play both inside and outside. I have been enjoying it,” he said. “If I can help the team play outside some, then I’m going to do that for sure.”

Wilkins had 84 tackles for the Tigers last season at defensive tackle. The freshman All-American also had 4.5 tackles for loss and two sacks to go along with 12 quarterback pressures. Showing off his athletic ability, the Springfield, Mass., native also caught a 31-yard pass down the sideline on fake punt in the Tigers’ Orange Bowl victory over Oklahoma.