The preseason accolades continue to pour in for the Clemson football program. Two Tigers were recently named to the Preseason AP All-America Team.
The ACC is well represented on the preseason AP All-America teams, leading all conferences with 12 All-Americans. Clemson football’s Dexter Lawrence and Christian Wilkins accounted for two of those 12 All-Americans.
During his true freshman season, Lawrence recorded 62 total tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks and two blocked field goals. At 6-foot-5, 340 pounds, Lawrence is a mammoth of a man with surprising athleticism.
Wilkins has been a mainstay on the Tigers defense since stepping foot on campus in 2015. During Clemson’s National Title run, Wilkins recorded 48 total tackles, 13 tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks. This past season he was given nickname “slash” for his versatility. Wilkins can play either defensive tackle or defensive end; and he has even caught passes for the Tigers during his career.
Thoughts
Wilkins was snubbed for first team preseason AP All-American in favor of two true sophomores in Houston’s Ed Oliver and fellow Tiger, Dexter Lawrence. Despite their youth, Oliver and Lawrence were much more disruptive than Wilkins a season ago. There is little difference in the three talent wise, however, Wilkins’ production does not stack up to his younger counterparts.
Clemson may not have many players listed as preseason All-Americans, however, I believe they will have at least four by seasons end. Speedy wide receiver, Deon Cain is on track to have a big year as the Tigers’ No. 1 option; and redshirt sophomore defensive end, Clelin Ferrell is already garnering attention as one of the country’s best edge rushers.
Next: Stars of the Tigers' fall camp
With leaders, Deshaun Watson and Ben Boulware off to the NFL, the aforementioned Wilkins, Lawrence, Cain and Ferrell will be counted on to step up in 2017. Talented in-conference opponents, NC State, Florida State and Virginia Tech will give Clemson all that they can handle, as will SEC foe, Auburn.