Three Tigers ranked in ESPN's Top 42 players |
ESPN released its
top 100 college football player rankings regardless of position for this week's 2016 NFL Draft.
Former Clemson defensive end Shaq Lawson was listed as the #24th best player in the country. "A one-year starter for the Tigers, he has the look of an NFL outside linebacker in a 3-4," ESPN said. "While he didn't always show late-game conditioning, that's something most teams will consider a correctable issue for a player who gives high effort." Lawson finished the season with 86 tackles, 25.5 tackles for loss (first in the nation), 12.5 sacks and 15 quarterback hurries. This weekend, 32 teams were sent this workout video of #Clemson DE Shaq Lawson to show his shoulder is ready https://t.co/2WevLofvOG
Former Clemson defensive Kevin Dodd was listed as the #32nd best player in the country.
"He had to wait his turn to play full time for the Tigers and was a one-year starter," ESPN said. "But he had five tackles for loss and three sacks against Alabama in the national title game. He will turn 24 in July, but this is an ascending player whose senior season should put him in the first round."
Dodd had a breakout 2015 season with 62 tackles, 12 sacks and 23.5 tackles for loss (second in the nation behind Lawson).
Former Clemson defensive back Mackensie Alexander was listed as the 42nd best player in the country.
"One of the most gifted defensive back prospects on the board played two seasons as a starter -- 23 games - and did not have an interception," ESPN said. "No, he wasn't challenged all that much, but that number will bother some."
The Tigers with Alexander were the number two defense in the country in passes completed holding opponents to 47.6 completion percentage. In 638 snaps this season, QBs completed only 11 passes vs. Alexander and he also had 23 tackles and two tackles for loss.
No other former Clemson player was listed in the Top 100 players rankings according to ESPN.
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