Clemson Football: Tigers’ DL talent is underrated coming into 2019
There are very few teams across the nation that have talent comparable to Clemson football on the defensive line coming into 2019.
There are many analysts across the country that believe Clemson football will take a step back on the defensive line in 2019, and that’s certainly understandable.
The Tigers lost all four starters, including three first-rounders, to the NFL and a key reserve who was drafted in the later rounds. With no Clelin Ferrell, Austin Bryant, Dexter Lawrence, Christian Wilkins or Albert Huggins on the roster this season, there would certainly be reason to believe that the group will take a step back.
Though the group likely won’t be as dominant as last season- with the historically great talent and depth that it possessed- it’s clear that the defensive line will certainly still be formidable in 2019.
As a matter of fact, most don’t realize the amount of talent Clemson football possesses on the defensive line.
Here’s a look at the projected two-deep depth chart at the position with the star-rating of each player listed, as well.
DE- Xavier Thomas (5-star)
- Logan Rudolph (3-star) or Justin Mascoll (4-star)
DT- Nyles Pinckney (4-star)
- Tyler Davis (4-star) or Darnell Jefferies (3-star)
DT- Jordan Williams (4-star)
- Xavier Kelly (4-star)
DE- Justin Foster (4-star)
- KJ Henry (5-star)
Analysis:
We understand that star-ratings don’t always work out. Players don’t always live up to the hype and many end up playing much higher than their star-rating would indicate.
With that being said, how many programs across the nation can say that they’ll start a 5-star and three 4-stars on the defensive line this season? On top of that, the Tigers have three 4-stars, a 5-star and two 3-stars in the two-deep.
That’s absolutely incredible the amount of talent there along the defensive line.
Next. ESPN FPI predicts each Clemson game. dark
It will take the players putting in the work and gaining experience, but there’s certainly reason for Clemson football fans to believe that this group could still be one of the top groups in the nation in 2019.