Clemson Football: 8 Tigers named to AP All-ACC teams

Post-season awards have begun to pile up for the Clemson football program, as has become the norm. Eight Tigers recently earned AP All-ACC honors.

Despite falling short against Syracuse early on in the season, Clemson maneuvered their tough 2017 schedule with relative ease. The Tigers have defeated three top-25 opponents thus far, by an average of 19 points.

It’s an accomplishment in itself to string together consecutive 10+ win seasons. That is the mark of a program who reloads from year to year. That being said, Clemson is now reloading on a National Championship level under Dabo Swinney.

All-ACC performers

On the offensive side of the ball, Clemson had three All-ACC performers: Mitch Hyatt (Jr) OT, Tyrone Crowder (RSr) OG and Justin Falcinelli (RSo) C. This is no accident, Clemson’s offensive line has been one of the most consistent units on the team all season long. Going into the College Football Playoff, the Tigers averaging 204.08 rushing yards per game, behind this stout offensive line.

On the defensive side of the ball, the Tigers have three first team All-ACC performers: Clelin Ferrell (RSo) DE, Christian Wilkins (Jr) DT and Dexter Lawrence (So) DT. Clemson also had Austin Bryant (Jr) and Dorian O’Daniel (RSr) OLB named second team All-ACC.

I was surprised to see O’Daniel listed as a second team performer. You’d be hard pressed to find another linebacker in the conference who has had the impact that O’Daniel has thus far. The veteran linebacker has recorded 84 total tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss, five sacks, two interceptions and two touchdowns on the year.

Next: Pair of Tigers listed as most impactful rookies

While Clemson has arguably the most talent laden wide receiver core in the ACC, their production suffered this season as a result of play-calling. This Tigers offense is more predicated around running the football than in years past. Make no mistake, Clemson’s offense has more than enough fire-power to threaten any defense.