Two Tigers included as Athlon's 2015 breakout candidates

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Athlon Sports released its latest article which ranks College Football's Top 25 Defensive Players on the Rise for 2015.

Clemson had two defensive players on the list - cornerback Mackensie AlexanderMackensie Alexander
RS So. Cornerback
#2 5-10, 190
Immokalee, FL
View Full Profile and defensive end Shaq LawsonShaq Lawson
So. Defensive End
#90 6-3, 269
Central, SC
View Full Profile .

"Alexander is one of two Clemson players to make this list," Athlon Sports stated. "The Florida native was forced to redshirt in 2013 due to injury but quickly emerged as the team’s top defensive back last season. Alexander started all 13 games, recorded 21 tackles and six pass breakups, while also playing the most snaps by a freshman in school history. Alexander should be one of the ACC’s top cornerbacks in 2015."

Alexander finished the season with 22 tackles, two tackles for loss and six pass breakups over 13 games. It was the most snaps in school history by a freshman (766).

Shaq Lawson is also ready to make his definitive mark on the Clemson program according to Athlon Sports. "Clemson ranked first nationally by holding opponents to just four yards per play in 2014. But coordinator Brent Venables will have his hands full this spring, as the Tigers return only two starters and lose several standouts from the front seven. Lawson is expected to be one of the defense’s top linemen after recording 34 tackles and 3.5 sacks in a backup role last season."

Lawson has 79 tackles, 21 tackles for loss, 7.5 sacks and 14 quarterback pressures in his Clemson career.

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