Three Clemson defensive linemen make USA Today Top Ten list
USA Today released their top ten defensive linemen in College Football and Clemson was well represented. In fact, the Tigers boasted three players on the list.
The top defensive lineman in America according to USA Today was Ed Oliver at Houston.
2. Christian Wilkins, Clemson
Any number of linemen could slot in behind Oliver, including at least three members of Clemson’s outstanding front. Wilkins gets the nod due to his experience, production and versatility. The multiple-year starter is one of the most accomplished defenders in the country and the leader of what should again be one of the best teams in the FBS.
5. Dexter Lawrence, Clemson
Lawrence’s freakish athleticism and overall skill set isn’t always reflected in the box score. He’s still impossible to ignore. At 6-4 and around 340 pounds, Lawrence is too strong to move at the point of attack and agile enough to knife through blockers and disrupt plays behind the line of scrimmage. Guys this big aren’t supposed to be this athletic.
7. Clelin Ferrell, Clemson
So Clemson’s defensive line should be OK, I guess. Ferrell broke through during the Tigers’ run to the 2016 national championship and made a run at All-America honors a year ago, when he led the team in sacks and tackles for loss. The key for Ferrell’s junior season will be consistency: Clemson needs a more complete, week-by-week performance from a lineman unanimously considered a first-round talent.
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