Clemson Football championships usually involve a special group of players on the defensive line, and the Tigers have recruited well there in recent years. They have brought in good high school talent, and they have also benefitted from veteran players delaying their pro careers for senior or super senior seasons.
With starters like Myles Murphy, KJ Henry, and Brian Bresee moving on to the NFL, there will be a transition on the line this season, at least to a small extent. How much of a transition remains to be seen.
There is a sound amount of depth at the tackle position, but not as much at the end. There are three true freshmen from the Class of 2023 at both positions. Some of them will be hard to keep off the field, while others might be redshirting this season due to talent ahead of them on the depth chart.
Here are the roster expectations as we approach fall camp.
Defensive Tackle
- Expected starters: Tyler Davis (+Sr) and Ruke Orhorhoro (RS Sr)
- Depth: Tre Williams (RS Jr), DeMonte Capehart (RS Jr), Payton Page (Jr), Caden Story (RS Fr), Peter Woods (Fr), Vic Burley (Fr), Stephiylan Green (Fr)
- Walk-Ons: Patrick Swygert (Fr)
Defensive End
- Expected starters: Xavier Thomas (+Sr) and Justin Mascoll (+Sr)
- Depth: Cade Denhoff (RS So), Zaire Patterson (RS So), Jahiem Lawson (RS Fr), TJ Parker (Fr), David Ojiegbe (Fr), AJ Hoffler (Fr)
- Walk-Ons: Evan McCutchen (RS Jr), Armon Mason (RS So), Levi Matthews (RS Fr)
Here are three questions about the 2023 defensive line group.