By Hale McGranahan.
Defensive tackle was arguably the biggest need for Clemson’s 2015 signing class.
The departing senior trio of Grady Jarrett, Josh Watson and Deshawn Williams will be replaced by several incoming freshmen, two of whom have already arrived to Clemson: Gage Cervenka, Albert Huggins, Sterling Johnson and Christian Wilkins. In addition to tackle, Huggins and Johnson — the two mid-year enrollees — could also see time at end.
The position won’t be as a big of a priority, but Clemson is expected to add one or two defensive tackles in 2016.
D.J. Reader, who will be a senior this season, is expected to take over Jarrett’s starting spot at nose guard. Reader finished his junior campaign with 17 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks.
Expected to start alongside him is Carlos Watkins. As a redshirt sophomore in 2014, Watkins had eight tackles and two tackles for loss.
After Reader and Watkins, Scott Pagano is the most experienced returning defensive tackle. He had four tackles during his first season of action. Pagano, who’s listed at 6-3, 295, will be a redshirt sophomore this fall.
The lone defensive tackle signed to the 2014 class, Jabril Robinson took a redshirt during his first season on campus. If his measurements on the school’s official site are accurate, Robinson will need to add some size to his 6-foot-3, 255-pound frame.
Here are a few of the defensive tackle prospects we’re tracking for 2016.
Dexter Lawrence – Wake Forest, North Carolina
A five-star prospect, according to Rivals, Clemson was the first school to offer Lawrence. Naturally, the instate schools have been showing a ton of interest, but there are plenty of suitors encouraging him to leave the state. In addition to his ACC options, SEC programs like Alabama, Florida and LSU are worth watching.
Nyles Pinckney – Seabrook
Arguably the top instate prospect on the defensive side of the ball, Pinckney has been to Clemson several times over the last year, including multiple visits during the season. Rivals and 247 list him as a four-star while Scout has him down as a three-star. Clemson, Florida State, Georgia and Alabama are among the top offers.
Julian Rochester – Powder Springs, Georgia – McEachern
Clemson continues to hold a spot in Rochester’s lead group, but a number of big-time programs remain in contention. Auburn is considered the team to beat with Florida State, LSU and Georgia also in the mix. 247 lists Rochester as a five-star prospect.
Malik Walker – Montezuma, Georgia – Macon County
Walker took his first visit to Clemson for the Louisville game. The Tigers are in strong position for Walker, whose cousin played ball at Clemson. Along with Clemson, Tennessee and UCLA make up Walker’s lead group.