Which Clemson defensive ends, behind rising sophomore stars T.J. Parker and Peter Woods, have made the biggest strides thus far in spring practice?

Asked that question during a media availability Monday, Parker pointed to a couple of fellow pass-rushers – redshirt sophomore Jahiem Lawson and redshirt junior Cade Denhoff.

“Those two guys have been working, putting in the work with me and Peter,” Parker said. “I feel like they’re making big improvements this spring. Our connection is getting a lot better.”

Clemson defensive end Jahiem Lawson (15) during the team’s TaxSlayer Gator Bowl practice at Fernandina Beach High School Thursday December 28, 2023. Bart Boatwright/The Clemson Insider

Parker, who’s coming off a stellar freshman All-American 2023 season, went on to compliment Lawson specifically and spoke highly about the 6-foot-2, 240-pound local product of nearby Daniel High School.

“I want to talk about Jahiem Lawson for a little bit, man,” Parker said. “He’s coming along every well. He’s getting bigger as well, too. I see him making a good impact for our D-line this upcoming fall.”

The brother of former Clemson and current NFL defensive end Shaq Lawson, Jahiem enrolled at Clemson in the summer of 2022 and made one game appearance while redshirting that season, before playing 37 snaps over four games this past season and posting two tackles (one for loss).

Jahiem helped Daniel to back-to-back SCHSL Class 3A titles in 2020 and 2021 and posted a 46-3 record in his varsity career. The former all-state honoree, Shrine Bowl selection and North-South All-Star Game Defensive MVP finished his prep career with 153 tackles (40 for loss), 25 sacks, six forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries, two pass breakups, two blocked kicks, an interception and two touchdowns.

Parker has taken notice of Jahiem’s natural ability when it comes to getting after the quarterback, and noted that new defensive ends coach Chris Rumph is helping Jahiem fine-tune his game.

“For Jahiem, Jahiem’s just a natural pass-rusher. It’s been in his family for years – obviously his brother being Shaq,” Parker said. “Now that Coach Rumph is here, he’s been teaching him why he does certain things. There’s some things that Jahiem does, it’s like you would not expect anybody to do, and it’s like he does it so natural, man. So, it’s like teaching him why he does certain things and when to use it and when not to use it. It’s helped him tremendously. It’s more of a feel thing for him. It just comes natural to him, and it’s really starting to show this spring.”

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