Having a full season under his belt, Clemson defensive tackle Albert Huggins says he has learned the ropes of the defense and knows what to expect going into this upcoming season. The sophomore told The Clemson Insider after a scrimmage in the spring, that he came in with the mindset that he was going to dominate and he did just that.

Huggins has made a lot of improvements since he has been at Clemson thanks to defensive tackles coach Dan Brooks and previous leaders on the defensive, such as D.J. Reader, who is now in the NFL.

The Clemson Insider went back to some of the interviews that were conducted this spring and Albert Huggins was able to answer some important questions regarding the upcoming season.

Now that you know the defense and what to expect, how comfortable are you at playing defensive tackle?

Huggins: “Very comfortable. Now, I know the plays and I can go out there and play freely. I know Coach Brooks is going to have my back.”

What have you improved on the most?

Huggins: “Mostly my technique in my feet. I have been working on my hands more. That was one big thing last year that I needed to fix and that’s something I am still trying to fix. Hopefully, by the season it will be right.”

What’s the chemistry like on the defensive line? 

Huggins: “It’s great. We have Dexter (Lawrence). Dexter is just crazy. Sterling Johnson, Gauge Cervenka, Nyles Pinckney, and all the younger guys that didn’t play last year, they are finally in the meeting room. It’s a blessing to have all these talented guys out here. I’m just happy to have them with me.”

 With all the competitive depth at defensive tackle, how do you guys break up the snaps?

Huggins: “Coach Brooks does a very good job of splitting them up and everything. Sometimes you might want more snaps, but he will get you in there and give you the opportunity to show off. We leave it up to him and everything works out.”

What are your impressions of defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence?

Huggins: “That’s a big guy. He just goes out there and handles 300 pound guys like a grown man. He is a great athlete. He has a lot of things to work on. We all have a lot of things to work on but he is going to be fine.”

Who has filled the leadership roles of Shaq Lawson and Kevin Dodd?

Huggins: “I would say Carlos Watkins and Christian Wilkins. Christian has done a very good job of just keeping everybody in line and making sure they are having fun. It’s a job at the same time, but they have fun with it. Carlos and Christian do a very good job.”