Clemson Football: 5 returning defensive players who must step up in 2019

SANTA CLARA, CA - JANUARY 07: Christian Wilkins #42 of the Clemson Tigers celebrates with the trophy after his teams 44-16 win over the Alabama Crimson Tide in the CFP National Championship presented by AT&T at Levi's Stadium on January 7, 2019 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /

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SANTA CLARA, CA – JANUARY 07: Jalen Hurts #2 of the Alabama Crimson Tide is tackled by Justin Foster #35 of the Clemson Tigers in the CFP National Championship presented by AT&T at Levi’s Stadium on January 7, 2019 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /

5. Justin Foster

Justin Foster is going to be the starter at the defensive end opposite-side Xavier Thomas to start the spring.

He’ll be battling sophomore KJ Henry and I think you’re going to see a lot of both of these guys in 2019.

I think we know what we’re going to get from Thomas, but we really need to see Foster step up and be able to set that hard edge that Austin Bryant was able to set a year ago.

He’s going to be relied upon, not just to be a contributor, but to be a leader on that defensive line this year.

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