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Clemson football: Six freshmen likely to redshirt in 2022

By John Chancey

Clemson linebacker Kobe McCloud (31), cornerback Myles Oliver (16), left, defensive end Jahiem Lawson (15) runs by Clemson special teams coordinator Mike Reed during the first day of fall football practice at the Allen Reeves Complex in Clemson Friday, August 5, 2022.Clemson Football First Day Fall Practice
Clemson linebacker Kobe McCloud (31), cornerback Myles Oliver (16), left, defensive end Jahiem Lawson (15) runs by Clemson special teams coordinator Mike Reed during the first day of fall football practice at the Allen Reeves Complex in Clemson Friday, August 5, 2022.Clemson Football First Day Fall Practice /
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Jahiem Lawson

Lawson is one of the legacy recruits in this class. His brother, Shaq Lawson, starred at Clemson from 2013-15. Shaq was impactful as a defensive end on the 2015 team that earned Coach Swinney his second ACC title and Clemson their first berth in the College Football Playoff.

Add that Jahiem (#15 in above picture) is a graduate of Daniel High School, and it really feels as if there was no other way that his recruitment could possibly end with him going anywhere other than Clemson.

That being said, if there was anyone who screamed developmental player, it was Lawson. He is tall at 6’-4”. Measuring only 230 pounds on that tall frame out of high school, it was obvious he would need to develop his physique and get stronger. He didn’t add much weight over the summer, checking in at 233 at the big weigh-in.

Consider Myles Murphy at 278 lbs, KJ Henry at 256 and Justin Mascoll at 253. Consider Xavier Thomas having to drop weight to come in at 254 pounds, and you realize that the twenty pounds between where they are and where Lawson checks in isn’t trivial.

Just because Lawson needs to hit the weight room and take a redshirt doesn’t mean he can’t compete at Clemson. The defensive staff have already commented that he has the right mentality. He got their attention with his effort and competitiveness.

If Jahiem can get physically ready during this redshirt season, and he has his brother’s competitiveness, he could surprise some people in the next few seasons.

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