The Score ranks the Top 50 players in College Football, Clemson's D-line dominates
Several Clemson Tigers found their way onto The Score's Top 50 players in college football in 2018. The list, which was compiled over several weeks featured several Clemson Tigers including the entire front four on the defensive side of the ball.
No. 25 - Austin Bryant, Defensive End
Bryant is the first of Clemson's deadly front four to feature on our list, and broke out to the tune of 8.5 sacks and 15.5 tackles for loss as a junior last year. Few defensive ends convert speed to power the way Bryant does. He's also set for a senior campaign rich with one-on-one matchups due to the other talent along the Tigers' line, so expect another uptick in production.
No. 18 - Mitch Hyatt, Offensive Tackle
Possibly the most proficient offensive tackle in the nation, Hyatt has started 42 games for the Tigers since 2015, and he's appeared in 43. While excellent as a run-blocker, pass protection is his true strength. Clemson faces a number of dangerous edge rushers in the ACC, and Hyatt is able to shut down every one of them. He allowed just one sack in 2017, according to PFF College.
No. 11 - Dexter Lawrence, Defensive Tackle
Lawrence may be the most important piece for the Tigers' defensive line, even if his fellow linemen are grabbing most of the headlines and statistics. The mammoth defender (6-foot-4 and 340 lbs) holds the point of attack like no other interior lineman in college football, and he leads a dominant Clemson run defense. Lawrence has flashed as a pass-rusher, too, recording 8.5 sacks over two seasons.
No. 9 - Clelin Ferrell, Defensive End
He may not get the most publicity of the vaunted Clemson defensive line, but Ferrell is arguably the best pass-rusher on the Tigers front. With 9.5 sacks and 18 tackles for loss last season, he established himself as a force in the ACC and shocked many by opting to return for a fourth year at Clemson. Expect big things from the 6-foot-5, 265-pound standout.
No. 4 - Christian Wilkins, Defensive Tackle
Wilkins is a two-time All-American who made the shocking decision to return to Clemson for his final season instead of opting for the NFL draft. With the entire Tigers defensive line deciding to do the same, expect another dominant season from the tackle. Wilkins posted 55 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, and 4.5 sacks last season, regularly commanding double teams which freed up his teammates. Barring something unforeseen, expect the 6-foot-4, 300-pounder to parlay his final collegiate campaign into an early first-round selection in the 2019 draft.
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