By Will Vandervort / Hale McGranahan.
Not only is Clemson replacing Grady Jarrett’s and DeShawn Williams’ ability and talent, but it is also has to replace their leadership, which was invaluable last season. No two players played with more passion, energy and desire as those two, which was noticed and appreciated by their teammates. That respect gave them a voice in the locker room.
They also demonstrated great leadership out of the locker room, too, as they held themselves and their teammates accountable, while doing it in a respectful way with the media. Their leadership will be missed.
Jarrett’s 73 tackles and 10 tackles for loss will be missed as will Williams’ 54 tackles, 8 tackles for loss and 3 sacks. They were both very productive players who always found a way to make a play or two when their team needed it the most.
The Tigers must also replace Josh Watson, who had one of his better years in his career in 2014. He totaled 47 tackles, was in on two sacks and batted down four passes.
There will be talent on this year’s defensive line, especially with D.J. Reader and Carlos Watkins back as potential starters, but it will lack experience depth. Scott Pagano, who played sparingly in 2014, is considered to be a rising star, while early enrollees Albert Huggins and Sterling Johnson are expected to come in and make some kind of an impact. At least that is what the coaching staff is hoping for.
D.J. Reader, Sr., 6-foot-2, 325 pounds
About: Reader has been a primary backup at defensive tackle the last three years. For his career, he has recorded 110 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, including 4.5 sacks. He also has 21 quarterback pressures in the 38 games he has played in. He has four career starts under his belt. He had 27 tackles and 2.5 tackles for loss in 2014.
Strengths: He has great size and great mobility. He gets off the ball fast.
Weaknesses: Wears down quickly.
Carlos Watkins, Jr., 6-foot-3, 295 pounds
About: Watkins is finally coming into the player everyone thought he might be before a horrific car accident in 2013 slowed down his progress. He has recorded 40 tackles and 4.5 tackles for loss in 23 career games, including one start.
Strengths: He is very athletic, has very good size and is very mobile. Like Reader, he is quick off the snap.
Weaknesses: Needs to get better pad level.
Scott Pagano, So., 6-foot-3, 295 pounds
About: After redshirting in 2013, Pagano got very little playing time in 2014. However, when he did get in, he made his presence known. In four games played, he recorded 10 tackles and one quarterback pressure.
Strengths: He is a very strong player that is quick and very athletic. He can also be very powerful.
Weaknesses: Lack of experience. He could also work on his pad level and maintaining proper technique.
Jabril Robinson, Fr., 6-foot-3, 255 pounds
About: Robinson redshirted last season and worked to gain strength and weight during his redshirt season. Before coming to Clemson, he played in the North Carolina vs. South Carolina Shrine Bowl Game. He had 110 tackles, 27 tackles for loss and five sacks his senior year at North Brunswick High School in Leland, N.C.
Strengths: He is quick, long and rangy. His length gives him an opportunity to be a force when it comes to knocking down passes.
Weaknesses: Needs to get bigger and stronger and improve on his pad level.
Albert Huggins, Fr., 6-foot-3, 280 pounds
About: Huggins was rated by every major recruiting service as the top player in the state of South Carolina. With his addition, it was the first time since 2008 that Clemson signed the state’s top player. Huggins was picked for the Shrine Bowl and the U.S. Army All-American game. Albert could end up playing DE or DT at Clemson.
Strengths: On the field, Huggins is a strong, powerful player who could play at strong-side defensive end or as a 3-technique defensive tackle. Some of that will depend on how much he grows. He’s quick, athletic and moves well for someone who’s close to 300 pounds.
Weaknesses: Huggins could improve his get off, particularly if he’s going to play on the end. Like most linemen coming out of high school, Huggins could also improve his pad level.
Sterling Johnson, Fr., 6-5, 275 pounds
About: Johnson, who was selected to play in the Under Armour All-American game, was ranked by ESPN as the No. 4 overall player in the state of North Carolina. Like Huggins, he could potentially play tackle or end at Clemson.
Strengths: On the hoof, Johnson is one of the most impressive looking prospects in the Clemson class. He’s got the frame add plenty of weight and grow to over 300 pounds.
Weaknesses: For someone with his size, Johnson didn’t dominate the high school level like one might expect. If develops more of a motor at Clemson, he could grow into a quality rotational player.