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Clemson football 2019 preview by position: Defensive End

By Andrew Boardwine

SANTA CLARA, CA - JANUARY 07: Jalen Hurts #2 of the Alabama Crimson Tide is pursued by Xavier Thomas #3 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)
SANTA CLARA, CA - JANUARY 07: Jalen Hurts #2 of the Alabama Crimson Tide is pursued by Xavier Thomas #3 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) /
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The Clemson football team will look to replace two steady options at defensive end this season. Here’s our 2019 preview for the position.

The Clemson football program will have to replace two guys that had become synonymous with consistency over the past few years.

Both Clelin Ferrell and Austin Bryant have now moved on to the next level and the Tigers will have to find other options in 2019.

There are certainly some talented options that have waited their turn behind the likes of Ferrell and Bryant.

Here’s our preview for the defensive ends during the 2019 Clemson football season.

Projected Depth Chart:

Starter: Xavier Thomas

  • Logan Rudolph

Starter: Justin Foster

  • KJ Henry
  • Justin Mascoll

Defensive Ends Preview:

Though Xavier Thomas ran out with the third-string group at one of the first practices of fall camp, Clemson football fans shouldn’t worry too much about it. Most likely, that was a strategy by the coaches to push him to get better and to push other guys to step up as leaders.

When it’s all said and done, Thomas is going to be a starter at defensive end because of his pure skill.

He has an opportunity to be one of the sack leaders, not just for the Tigers, but across the nation. Thomas has one of the quickest first steps we’ve ever seen in College Football from a defensive end and he does an excellent job exploding out of his stance and beating his blocker with a blend of power, finesse and athleticism.

After Thomas, the Tigers will start Justin Foster at the other defensive end position. Foster has gained experience over the past couple of seasons and he is in prime position to have a big year. He’ll be asked to set a hard-edge and take advantage of mismatches that will be caused from blitzes and from Thomas’s dominance.

dark. Next. 5 most intriguing position battles in 2019

KJ Henry is a 5-star talent who will get plenty of solid playing time this year. He’ll be paired with veteran Logan Rudolph, though there is a chance that Henry could end up earning starting reps before the end of the season.

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