Five Tigers named to college football top-100 list

CLEMSON — The Tigers begin the 2021 season with national championship aspirations. Clemson has gotten to this point by recruiting at a national championship level.

On Monday, ESPN named their top 100 players for the upcoming season via votes from 20 panelists. Not surprisingly, the Tigers appeared early and often.

11.) Bryan Bresee

The former No. 1 overall recruit in the class of 2020, Bresee looked the part as a true freshman and has All-American potential as a sophomore. The blue-chipper could be headed towards a monster season.

Bresee is the top-ranked defensive tackle on the list after recording 6.5 tackles for loss as a true freshman last year.

25.) Myles Murphy

Another former five-star defensive line talent in the class of 2020, Murphy enters his sophomore year with sky-high expectations. A freshman All-American, he recorded three forced fumbles last season while becoming one of the best defensive ends in the ACC.

The Metro Atlanta native is only getting better as the Tigers are loaded on the defensive line.

28.) D.J. Uiagalelei

Yet another five-star recruit and top-10 prospect in the class of 2020, Uiagalelei is set to step in for Trevor Lawrence and become one of the top quarterbacks in college football this season.

In two starts, Uiagalelei was mighty impressive last year and needs to be good early to help out a young Tigers offense.

39.) Justyn Ross

Perhaps the most important player on Clemson’s roster this season, the redshirt junior receiver returns to the lineup after missing all of last year. The 6-foot-4 wideout can provide big-play production on the perimeter.

The Tigers need Ross to play at a high level throughout the season.

57.) Tyler Davis

Another member of the talented Clemson defensive line, Davis will start at the tackle spot opposite of Bresee. The Florida native had to deal with injuries last season but as a true freshman, he was one of the best interior players in the ACC.

With Bresee getting a lot attention, there should be plenty of playmaking opportunities available for Davis. This could become a difference-maker for the Tigers that no one is talking about.

58.) Xavier Thomas

Yes, this is another former five-star recruit on the defensive line. Thomas was slowed last season but is looking for a major bounce back this fall. With a ton of proven production in the past, expectations are high and Thomas looks like a new player in fall camp.

“He looks awesome,” Dabo Swinney told reporters. “He looks like a very confident, fast, experienced healthy version of Xavier Thomas. Really proud of him.