Clemson Football: Tyler Davis is entrenched in starting lineup

There have been very few times when a true-freshman has started for Clemson football. Defensive Tackle Tyler Davis is one of the exceptions.

When the Clemson football defense ran out for the first time against Georgia Tech Thursday night, there was one brand new face.

Freshman Tyler Davis, who was listed as a co-starter with Jordan Williams on the team’s first depth chart, ran out alongside Nyles Pinckney to open up the season. The Tigers showed a 3-man front for a bit of the beginning of the game before going back to their normal 4-3 base.

Davis graded out as the highest defensive lineman during the game because of his production, effort and efficiency at the position. The true-freshman certainly didn’t look like a freshman when he hit the field.

Davis was able to get in the backfield, make some stops in the running game and even pressure the quarterback.

Because of how he performed in fall camp and against Georgia Tech, Davis is entrenched in the starting lineup. Dabo Swinney told the media during his weekly Tuesday press conference that Davis, Nyles Pinckney and Jordan Williams had separated themselves from the bunch.

After those three, he said that Xavier Kelly was coming on nicely and will get plenty of snaps, followed by Darnell Jefferies and true-freshman Ruke Orhorhoro.

Though Davis remains listed as a co-starter, it’s clear that he is a huge part of the Tigers’ plan moving forward. Davis is likely going to start every game this season. The freshman absolutely looked ready Thursday night and was impressive during his time on the field.

He had solid technique and was versatile in his approach. That’s one reason the coaches are thrilled with his performance to this point.

The Tigers have developed some decent depth at the defensive tackle position, but there’s going to be a focus on Davis as they move forward throughout the season. He’s not your typical freshman and that’s going to be proven once we get through a few more games. Davis will be a focal point along the defensive line and has an opportunity to be an All-ACC candidate before it’s all said and done.

Either way, it’s clear that Tyler Davis is entrenched in the starting lineup moving forward for Clemson football.