The Clemson football program has been known for producing talent on defense, with the defensive line being the Tigers’ bread and butter.
Year after year, Clemson’s defensive line is one of the best in the country, with talent and the depth needed to remain consistent. That shouldn’t change in 2023 with a Tigers’ defensive line that has a ton to prove and sky-high potential.
247Sports recently released their rankings for the top 10 defensive lines in college football, with Clemson making the cut. Writer Brad Crawford slotted the Tigers into the No.9 ranking. Here is what Crawford had to say.
Who to watch: Peter Woods, Xavier Thomas, Tyler Davis, Justin Mascoll
In terms of quality depth, Clemson has it this season in the trenches. The Tigers welcome back Davis, a first team All-ACC defensive lineman, expect heavy production from the five-star freshman Woods and now have a healthy Thomas back in the fold. Thomas only played 52 total snaps over three games last season with a foot injury and enters his final campaign with 116 career tackles (30.0 for loss), 14.5 sacks, five pass breakups and five forced fumbles. This is the second highest-rated pass rush unit in the ACC behind Florida State in these rankings, but could be No. 1 if Thomas and Woods provide notable production.
Clemson definitely has the potential to be the No.1 defensive line in the country, and I agree with Crawford on it coming down to Thomas and Woods. Two players with tremendous ceilings and the work ethic to make an impact.
It should be another excellent Clemson defensive line in 2023.
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