Clemson’s T.J. Parker has been a problem for opposing offenses all season, and the true freshman defensive end was just that again last Saturday against Syracuse.

Parker continued to be a disruptive force on the Tigers’ D-line, posting five tackles (two for loss) and 2.0 sacks in the 31-14 win over the Orange.

The 6-foot-3, 255-pounder earned ACC Defensive Lineman of the Week honors on Monday after his outstanding performance against Syracuse, which made him the first Clemson true freshman with at least 2.0 sacks in a game since Myles Murphy’s 2.0 sacks in the 2020 season opener at Wake Forest.

Junior linebacker Jeremiah Trotter Jr., while playing on the second level of Clemson’s defense, has basically had a front row seat to see Parker on the field this season. On Monday, Trotter spoke about what he’s seen from Parker to this early point in his college career.

“He’s just a guy that wreaks havoc,” Trotter said. “He does his job. He’s going to be in the right place when he needs to be there, and he’s going to just create a new line of scrimmage. He’s a really big guy, physical guy, and he’s just been very productive for us.”

Parker leads all freshmen nationally with 7.5 tackles for loss and is the only freshman in the FBS with 5.0 or more tackles for loss. Through five games, he is already more than halfway to Murphy’s Clemson true freshman record for tackles for loss (12.0). Parker’s 3.0 sacks also rank tied for second nationally among freshmen.

A former top-50 national prospect in the 2023 class, Parker has plenty of natural talent and ability, which has obviously shown up in his play this season.

But what also really stands out to Trotter about Parker is the way he prepares to play, as well as his work ethic in practice during the weeks leading up to gamedays.

“I’d probably say in the film room, watching film. Sometimes young guys will come in, they just don’t know how key that part of the game is,” Trotter said. “He’s always watching film, and then the way he practices as well, you may not see from young guys – running to the ball, trying to be as technically sound as possible like he’s playing in an actual game, but in practice. And I see that when I’m out there practicing with him.”

–Clemson Athletic Communications contributed to this story

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