Let's take a look at a strength that is a huge focal point for the Clemson Tigers.
The offensive and defensive line could be two of the strongest units for the Tigers in hopes of returning to the National Championship.
On both sides, Head Coach Dabo Swinney returns key starters that should help cope with the other loses of talent on both sides of the ball.
Defensive Line
The defensive line in 2017 for the Tigers could be good, and we are talking scary good. Defensive coordinator Brent Venables brings in a new assistant for the defensive line in Todd Bates, but he certainly comes into a great position with the talent Clemson returns.
Leading the way is junior Christian Wilkins, who is coming off a sophomore season in which he recorded 48 tackles, 3.5 sacks, and 13.0 tackles for loss, all numbers that were an improvement from his freshman campaign.
Wilkins will be joined by another junior in Austin Bryant, who started off the 2016 in rough fashion due to a foot injury. He later returned against NC State and recorded 16 tackles, 3.0 tackles for loss, and 2.0 sacks.
Wilkins and Bryant look to be the leaders on the defensive line, but there may be no better sophomores in the nation at their respective position in the ACC than defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence and defensive end Clelin Ferrell. Ferrell played in 14 games last year, recording 12.5 tackles for loss and 6.0 sacks. He really came on strong in the final three games, recording 6.0 TFL and 2.0 sacks in the ACC Championship and College Football Playoffs.
Next to him will be one of the top freshmen in his recruiting class in Dexter Lawrence, coming off a season in which he continued to only get better and be a dominate force in the trenches. In 2016, Lawrence recorded 62 tackles, 8.5 TFL, and 6.5 sacks, and his numbers could only continue to grow with his physicality on the line.
Along with the starting four, the Tigers have several players that could provide depth including junior’s Chris Register, Jabril Robinson, Albert Huggins, and Richard Yeargin.
Offensive Line
Clemson’s defensive line will get the national attention but the Tigers also return four starters on the offensive line. All-ACC Mitch Hyatt and Tyrone Crowder return to anchor down the offensive line that helped develop a rushing attack of 169.7 yards per game this past season.
Sean Pollard and Taylor Hearn also saw a ton of action this past season and should help develop a line that have recorded 78 career starts between the four. Right now, center Justin Falcinelli will look to step in to replace Jay Guillermo from this past season.
The Tigers will need some sophomores to step up to provide depth on the offensive line, as Tremayne Anchrum, John Simpson, Gage Cervenka, and Maverick Morris will be key prospects to watch this season.
