Clemson defensive line is living up to 'best mentality' standard

CLEMSON — On paper, Clemson has the best defensive line in college football. There is no denying that.

Defensive tackle Bryan Bresee was the No. 1 overall recruit in the class of 2020, while K.J. Henry, Myles Murphy, and Xavier Thomas were each five-star prospects. Add in former All-ACC selection Tyler Davis and fast-rising Justin Mascoll, and this group is loaded with talent, experience, and potential.

The Tigers have a chance to be dominant on defense because of this unit. Defensive coordinator Brent Venables will be reliant on the defensive line to create havoc throughout the season so the back seven can have freedom and flexibility in the defensive structure. The comparisons are beginning to occur regarding the previous defensive line that helped lead Clemson to the 2018 national championship.

“They’re talented, and they’re very, very deep,” offensive coordinator Tony Elliott said about the defensive line with a smile on Tuesday. “I think the difference is you talk about Dexter [Lawrence], you talk about Clelin [Ferrell], you talk about Christian [Wilkins] — those guys had to work together to create that chemistry and cohesion. It didn’t just happen when they all got together it was overtime. You’re really starting to see what [Todd] Bates and what Ski [Lemanski Hall] are trying to instill in those guys — that ‘best mentality’ — everybody pushing each other. It doesn’t matter who runs out there first. Playing to a standard.”

Playing to that standard is easier said than done. It takes a special group of young men to gel together and be willing to sacrifice for the team. Snaps will be limited on the defensive line for some talented players this season. However, the Tigers are just focusing on getting better one day at a time.

“We’re working right now we’re not really listening to all the outside noise,” said defensive tackle Bryan Bresee. “We’re just trying to stay together as a group and just work on everything we need to be ready for our first game.”

“Our d-line can be a special as any d-line in the country. We have all the talent in the world that we need. As long as everybody just puts everything together and keeps working we’ll be able to do it.”

Hard work is the name of the game, and that is what Clemson will use to help the Tigers’ defensive line separate from the rest. On paper, this unit is elite. Now the defensive line is putting in the required work so that dream becomes a reality.

“As good as it wants to be,” Bresee said when asked how good this defensive line can be. “We just gotta put in the work, and the sky’s the limit for us.”

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