A Defensive Unit Emerges as the Deepest, Veteran Stands Out as Clemson Camp Surprise
There have been plenty of questions surrounding Clemson’s defense entering the 2026 season, particularly at linebacker and defensive tackle.
Defensive end, however, doesn't appear to be one of them.
Asked Tuesday about the group, defensive coordinator Tom Allen singled out seniors Will Heldt and Jahiem Lawson.
"Will and Jahiem have kind of separated themselves," he said. "So, it's probably our deepest position, to be honest with you, that we have. I like that room a lot. Will Heldt is the leader, but he's a quiet guy. Jahiem's kind of the loud, not in a negative way but just the boisterous personality in that room."
The two are expected to anchor the position this season, something that has been apparent since the beginning of fall camp.
After transferring from Purdue, Heldt made an immediate impact, leading Clemson in both tackles for loss (15.5) and sacks (7.5) last season.
Lawson was productive as well, recording 6.5 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks and three pass breakups before an ankle injury sidelined him for the final two games of the season.
While Heldt has already established himself as one of the leaders of the defense and a potential first- or second-round selection in the 2027 NFL Draft, he isn't allowing outside expectations to dictate his approach.
"I think just focusing on the here and now. You know, just be where my feet are, and be the best I am in every opportunity I'm given."
Behind Heldt and Lawson, Allen believes two players are ready to provide significant snaps.
One of them is London Merritt, a 6-foot-3, 255-pound transfer from Colorado who has been noticeable throughout camp.
"London Merritt has really taken his game to another level this fall. I thought he did a lot of good things in the spring," Allen said.
Merritt's progress has also caught the attention of Heldt, who described the veteran transfer as a player who brings plenty of energy to the defensive front.
"He's a really tenacious player, flies around, and he just wrecks shop," Heldt said. "I'm excited to see him out there."
Allen also singled out junior Darien Mayo (6-7, 270), whose size gives Clemson another intriguing option at defensive end.
"I think Mayo has really transformed himself. I think he's ready to take that next step," stated Allen. "He just plays hard. He's physical," Allen continued. "So, I think those two guys, to me, have kind of really separated themselves as base down guys."
Merritt and Mayo aren't the only options defensive ends coach Chris Rumph can turn to.
Allen said Howard University transfer C.J. Wesley brings a different skill set when the Tigers need to generate pressure.
The second-year defensive coordinator also pointed to Armon Mason as another player who has consistently done good things throughout camp.
And then there's Caden Story.
"I was just asked recently about anybody that maybe has kind of been a surprise of fall camp. I would say him," Allen said of the fifth-year graduate. "This is kind of his last opportunity, and he's taking advantage of it in terms of what he did over the summer, his mindset, and the way he approached that."
Allen's praise of Story is another indication of the depth Clemson believes it has at defensive end. With Saturday's matchup against LSU approaching, Heldt said the entire room is looking forward to the opportunity.
"We're really excited about us in our room, and hopefully, make some plays out there this weekend. But myself, Jahiem, London, Mayo, Story, all those guys, I think we have a deep room. I think the exciting part about that is whoever's out there, we feel like we can get our job done and make plays."
