We are just 90 days out and I wanted to end the 90’s with two players that I had the pleasure of watching play. Both of these dogs were defensive linemen at Clemson a few years apart and had two extremely different play styles.
The pass rusher that came first was Shaq Lawson. Lawson played three seasons in Tigertown where he made it a habit to make life tough for ACC offensive tackles. From his freshman season in 2013 to his junior year in 2015, Lawson saw significant playing time.
In his three seasons he amassed 123 tackles and 20 sacks. In his junior year he was even named a Consensus All American.
What is unfortunate about Lawsons career is that he narrowly missed out on the Tigers National Championship runs but, this next run stuffer played in the heart of it.
Dexter Lawrence is the bizarro version of Lawson. Lawson is quick and comes off the edge but, Lawrence lines up in the middle of the line and bashes head with 315 pound guards day in and day out.
Lawrence came to Clemson as Lawson was leaving. He played for three seasons from 2016-2018 and was a big contributor in the Tigers 35-31 win over Alabama in the 2017 National Championship.
He racked up 131 tackles and 10 sacks in his Clemson career but, his career didn’t end the way I imagine he wanted it to. Prior to the 2019 National Title game he tested positive for a banned substance, Ostarine. Clemson would go onto beat Alabama 44-16.
Tomorrow we get to do a deep dive into our first wave of pass catchers, some receivers, some tight ends.