TJ Parker is playing his way into the starting line-up for Clemson Football

I’m on the record with my opinion that the 2023 Clemson Football defensive line is better than the 2022 “Avengers” version, so I don’t think anyone would be surprised that I give them an A for this season so far. It might be closer to an A- than an A+, but an A nonetheless.

I will admit that the element of surprise figures into that grade. I did not have high expectations for this line, especially at defensive end. I had hopes for Xavier Thomas to finally take his 5-star high school rating and turn it into 5-star play, but usually after this long in college ball, you are who you are.

I also was very meh on Justin Mascoll, but considering the other options, an old head wasn’t a bad thing. If he could just be a stopgap for a season to get Clemson to the next guy without being a liability, that would get the job done.

I have been pleased with Mascoll’s play through six games. He might not always grade out great, but he has had 15 total tackles on the season and forced a big fumble against Syracuse. Thomas has 13 total tackles with two sacks and was particularly impactful against Florida State.

The best defensive end for Clemson Football has been true freshman TJ Parker

The real eye-opener has been freshman TJ Parker. I think everyone who followed recruiting knew Parker would be good, the question was just how quickly he would be effective. Mascoll was to be the bridge plan until Parker could be ready.

Thus far, Parker leads the defensive line in total tackles (19) and the entire team in sacks (4). As good as Mascoll has been, Parker has overtaken him. Against Wake Forest, Parker logged 55 snaps, tying Thomas. Mascoll played 22 snaps.

The best part about this is that Mascoll didn’t lose the job by playing poorly. Parker won the job by being that good. There is still the question regarding who will line up next to him at end in 2024, but that is a problem for down the road. Right now, Clemson has three effective defensive ends, which is better than I expected.