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Clemson Football: 10 Best Defensive Players – Of the 80’s

By Ben Greeson

Dec 31, 2015; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) is sacked on the 2 yard line against Clemson Tigers defensive end Shaq Lawson (90) and safety Jayron Kearse (1) during the first quarter of the 2015 CFP semifinal at the Orange Bowl at Sun Life Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 31, 2015; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) is sacked on the 2 yard line against Clemson Tigers defensive end Shaq Lawson (90) and safety Jayron Kearse (1) during the first quarter of the 2015 CFP semifinal at the Orange Bowl at Sun Life Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 9, 2016; Clemson, SC, USA; Clemson Tigers mascot greets fans prior to the start of the spring game at Clemson Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joshua S. Kelly-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 9, 2016; Clemson, SC, USA; Clemson Tigers mascot greets fans prior to the start of the spring game at Clemson Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joshua S. Kelly-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Michael Dean Perry

The Fridge got all of the accolades, most of the spotlight and has the legend of all legends around campus and throughout Clemson folklore.

However, little brother, Michael Dean Perry, may have been the best all around defensive linemen to ever play at Clemson.

Relentless, ruthless, athletic, agile, with a dominating motor that never quit, Michael Dean Perry was a major contributor to a few ACC Championship teams. Shall we list his accomplishments?

  • First-team All-American in 1987, he was first-team All-ACC in 1986 and 1987.
  • ACC Player of the Year in 1987, a rare distinction for a defensive player.
  • Set ACC record for career tackles for loss and sacks.
  • One of three finalists for the Outland Trophy in 1987.
  • Six-time Pro Bowl selection for the Cleveland Browns and the Denver Broncos
  • Named to Clemson Centennial Team in 1996
  • Ranked as 10th greatest Clemson football player of the 20th century.

Not too shabby considering he lived in the spotlight of his older and bigger brother his entire life. MDP forged a name all his own. He set the school record of 28 sacks(tied by Gaines Adams in 2006 and then broken by Vic Beasley in 2014).

He was later drafted by the Cleveland Browns in the second round of the 88′ draft. He played in the Pro Bowl 6 times and played for the Browns, the Broncos, and the Chiefs over his 10-year career.

His style of play matched the demeanor of his head Coach Danny Ford. MDP was quiet, but physical, and would impose his will on each and every down.

Next: Levon Kirkland

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