Big Body


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Big Body

The saying that the game is won at the line of scrimmage holds true today but it doesn't hurt to have a great quarterback.

Clemson definitely has the quarterback of the future but how are the lines of scrimmage in 2015 and beyond?

What Dabo SwinneyDabo Swinney
Head Coach
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already knew but was reminded of once again was the importance of winning at the line of scrimmage.  The program built one of the best defensive lines in the country but will miss Grady JarrettGrady Jarrett
Sr. Defensive Tackle
#50 6-1, 290
Conyers, GA

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, DeShawn WilliamsDeShawn Williams
Sr. Defensive Tackle
#99 6-1, 292
Central, SC

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, Josh WatsonJosh Watson
RS Sr. Defensive Tackle
#91 6-4, 292
Wilmington, DE

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, Corey CrawfordCorey Crawford
Sr. Defensive End
#93 6-5, 276
Columbus, GA

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, Vic BeasleyVic Beasley
RS Sr. Defensive End
#3 6-2, 236
Adairsville, GA

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and Tavaris BarnesTavaris Barnes
RS Sr. Defensive End
#9 6-4, 273
Jacksonville, FL

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next season.

The Tigers should feel good about the first team defensive line with DJ Reader and Carlos WatkinsCarlos Watkins
RS So. Defensive Tackle
#94 6-3, 294
Mooresboro, NC

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slotted in to get the majority of snaps at defensive tackle and Shaq LawsonShaq Lawson
So. Defensive End
#90 6-3, 269
Central, SC

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and Kevin DoddKevin Dodd
RS So. Defensive End
#98 6-5, 275
Taylors, SC

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taking over at the defensive end positions.

Depth is a concern though.  Scott PaganoScott Pagano
RS Fr. Defensive Tackle
#56 6-4, 292
Honolulu, HI

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has a bright future as the third defensive tackle but no other tackle has ever played in a game yet.  Clemson is hoping to add top 100 defensive tackle Christian Wilkins to the latest recruiting class.

At defensive end, Martin AikenMartin Aiken
RS So. Defensive End
#53 6-2, 255
Smoaks, SC

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, Dane RogersDane Rogers
RS Fr. Defensive End
#85 6-3, 270
Shelby, NC

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and Ebenezer OgundekoEbenezer Ogundeko
RS Fr. Defensive End
#1 6-3, 246
Brooklyn, NY

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haven’t played a lot so far.  Richard YearginRichard Yeargin
Fr. Defensive End
#49 6-4, 225
Lauderdale Lakes, FL

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red-shirted this past season but has some promise.  Clemson will bring in four defensive ends in the next recruiting class and all four are highly recruited, including rivals.com top 250 players in Austin Bryant and Clelin Ferrell and a top 100 prospect in Albert Huggins.

On the offensive line the Tigers will miss Reid WebsterReid Webster
RS Sr. Offensive Tackle
#77 6-3, 300
Woodstock, GA

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, Kalon DavisKalon Davis
RS Sr. Offensive Guard
#67 6-5, 340
Chester, SC

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and David BeasleyDavid Beasley
RS Sr. Offensive Guard
#68 6-4, 323
Columbus, GA

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but return some experience.  At center Ryan NortonRyan Norton
RS Jr. Offensive Line
#58 6-3, 292
Simpsonville, SC

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and Jay GuillermoJay Guillermo
RS So. Center
#57 6-3, 314
Maryville, TN

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will continue their battle that has lasted for a couple of seasons.

Athleticism shouldn't be a factor at offensive tackle with Isaiah BattleIsaiah Battle
Jr. Offensive Tackle
#79 6-7, 285
Brooklyn, NY

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and Joe GoreJoe Gore
RS Jr. Offensive Tackle
#73 6-5, 283
Lake Waccamaw, NC

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returning, but both need to be more consistent.  Battle has had some great games and Gore will need to step up to hold off newcomers at tackle.

At guard Tyrone CrowderTyrone Crowder
RS Fr. Offensive Guard
#55 6-2, 322
Marston, NC

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showed promise as a red-shirt freshman this past season and Eric MacLain has seen action as a starter.

Less experienced players are also making strides.  The staff feels good about the upside of Maverick MorrisMaverick Morris
RS Fr. Offensive Line
#69 6-4, 291
Broxton, GA

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and Justin FalcinelliJustin Falcinelli
Fr. Offensive Tackle
#50 6-5, 300
Middleton, MD

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at offensive tackle, but the real answers are coming in the next recruiting class.  Five star tackle Mitch Hyatt comes to Clemson in January and will compete right away.  I would expect Jake Fruhmorgen, another top 100 prospect, to have a chance to make a big impression this spring as well.  The staff loves the toughness in Noah Green, who will also compete this spring.

The recruiting efforts on the lines of scrimmage have greatly improved in the past few classes.  Perhaps the top offensive line class will be here in January.  Clemson could receive a commitment from a top 250 offensive line prospect in Sean Pollard from Pinehurst, NC this Friday.

The defensive line class that could potentially add Wilkins to Huggins, Bryant and Ferrell is also among the best in the country.

What Dabo Swinney knew is the importance of dominating the line of scrimmage.  His intensified recruiting efforts should continue to allow him and his program to enjoy that aspect of the game.

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Defensive Tackle (2008 - 2011)
#98 6-2, 310
Thomasville, GA

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Linebacker
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