Austin Bryant
North Carolina coach Mack Brown is consoled by Cam'Ron Kelly as they leave the field following a 38-31 loss to Virginia during an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 2, 2019, in Chapel Hill, N.C. (Robert Willett/The News & Observer via AP)
Under pressure: Defenses thriving in sack-happy ACC

By Will Graves Nov. 13, 2019 01:27 PM EST

North Carolina's Sam Howell (7) gets stopped on a two-point conversion by Clemson's James Skalski (47) and Xavier Thomas (3) in the fourth quarter of an NCAA college football game in Chapel Hill, N.C., Saturday, Sept. 28, 2019. (AP Photo/Chris Seward)
All-America Watch: No. 2 Clemson reloads on D-line

By Pete Iacobelli Oct. 08, 2019 02:45 PM EDT

Clemson's A.J. Terrell (8) blocks a pass intended for Texas A&M's Jhamon Ausbon during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 7, 2019, in Clemson, S.C. (AP Photo/Richard Shiro)
'As good as it gets': Venables reloads Clemson defense

By Ralph D. Russo Sep. 08, 2019 04:35 PM EDT

FILE - In this Jan. 7, 2019, file photo, Clemson's Trevor Lawrence throws during the first half the NCAA college football playoff championship game against Alabama, in Santa Clara, Calif. Sure, Clemson lost all four of its “Power Rangers” defensive line and seven starters on defense from its title team. But the Tigers’ offense, led by Heisman Trophy candidates quarterback Trevor Lawrence and tailback Travis Etienne, looks ready to operate at an even higher level than a year ago when it averaged 527 yards and 44.3 points a game. (AP Photo/Chris Carlson, File)
Clemson poised to make a run at back-to-back national titles

By Pete Iacobelli Aug. 13, 2019 11:37 AM EDT

NFL Draft: Top defensive players available by position

By Ralph D. Russo Apr. 20, 2019 01:01 PM EDT
Some of the top defensive prospects, by position, available in the NFL draft (x-indicates early entrant to draft): DEFENSIVE END/EDGE RUSHER ...

Clemson's Trevor Lawrence drops back to pass during Clemson's annual Orange and White NCAA college football spring scrimmage Saturday, April 6, 2019, in Clemson, S.C. (AP Photo/Richard Shiro)
Retooled Clemson D has strong spring as it moves forward

By Pete Iacobelli Apr. 06, 2019 06:54 PM EDT

Clemson's Dexter Lawrence runs drills during NFL Pro Day, Thursday, March 14, 2019, in Clemson, S.C. (AP Photo/Richard Shiro)
Some of Clemson defensive linemen workout for NFL executives

By Pete Iacobelli Mar. 14, 2019 04:37 PM EDT

National champs return to field for Clemson spring practice

By Pete Iacobelli Feb. 27, 2019 07:53 PM EST
CLEMSON, S.C. (AP) — Clemson coach Dabo Swinney moved up and down the rows of Tigers players, patting their shoulder pads and helmets as the national champions got...

A family enjoys the parade held in Clemson's honor Saturday, Jan. 12, 2019, in Clemson, S.C., TheTigers defeated Alabama 44-16 in the College Football Playoff championship game Monday Jan. 7. (AP Photo/Richard Shiro)
Clemson celebrates latest title amid cheers and doughnuts

By Pete Iacobelli Jan. 12, 2019 12:05 PM EST

FILE - In this Sept. 15, 2018, file photo, Clemson's Clelin Ferrell (99) rushes into the backfield during the first half of the team's NCAA college football game against Georgia Southern in Clemson, S.C. Clemson’s defensive line came into the season with a ton of hype after Christian Wilkins, Austin Bryant and Ferrell all bypassed the chance to go to the NFL after 2017. Ferrell, an explosive pass rusher, has the most NFL upside. (AP Photo/Richard Shiro, File)
Clemson All-American DE Ferrell headed for NFL draft

By Pete Iacobelli Jan. 10, 2019 10:16 PM EST

Clemson's Trayvon Mullen answers questions at a news conference for the NCAA college football playoff championship game Tuesday, Jan. 8, 2019, in San Jose, Calif. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Clemson's Swinney already looking forward to next title run

By Paul Newberry Jan. 08, 2019 04:02 PM EST

FILE - In this Sept. 15, 2018, file photo, Clemson's Clelin Ferrell (99) rushes into the backfield during the first half of the team's NCAA college football game against Georgia Southern in Clemson, S.C. Clemson’s defensive line came into the season with a ton of hype after Christian Wilkins, Austin Bryant and Ferrell all bypassed the chance to go to the NFL after 2017. Ferrell, an explosive pass rusher, has the most NFL upside. (AP Photo/Richard Shiro, File)
Bama-Clemson loaded with NFL draft picks along D-line

By Ralph D. Russo Jan. 05, 2019 02:40 AM EST

FILE - In this Dec. 1, 2018, file photo, Georgia wide receiver Mecole Hardman (4) misses the catch in the end zone against Alabama defensive back Patrick Surtain II (2) during the first half of the Southeastern Conference championship NCAA college football game in Atlanta. Alabama’s excellent pass rush has helped bring a long a secondary that relies on talented but inexperienced corners such as freshman Surtain. (AP Photo/John Amis, File)
Matchups that could determine Alabama vs Clemson Part IV

By Ralph D. Russo Jan. 04, 2019 03:30 AM EST

FILE - In this Dec. 30, 2018, file photo, Alabama quarterback Tua Tagovailoa throws confetti in the air after winning the Orange Bowl NCAA college football game against Oklahoma, in Miami Gardens, Fla. Tagovailoa had to settle for second place in the Heisman Trophy balloting, but he delivered arguably the best bowl performance of any player in the country. Tagovailoa outdueled Heisman Trophy winner Kyler Murray of Oklahoma in the Sugar Bowl to earn his spot as the quarterback of our all-bowl team. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee, File)
Alabama QB Tua Tagovailoa headlines all-bowl team

By Steve Megargee Jan. 03, 2019 04:11 PM EST

FILE - In this Sept. 22, 2018, file photo, Clemson defensive lineman Christian Wilkins (42) warms up before the first half of an NCAA college football game between Georgia Tech and Clemson, in Atlanta. Wilkins is grateful for the journey he has taken during his final college season. But he says he hasn’t reached his destination yet. The second-ranked Tigers take on No. 1 Alabama for the national title on Monday night, Jan. 7, 2019. (AP Photo/Jon Barash, File)
Clemson's NFL prospects step closer to championship goals

By Pete Iacobelli Jan. 03, 2019 01:56 PM EST

Clemson defensive end Austin Bryant (7) holds up the trophy as the team celebrates their 30-3 win against Notre Dame in the NCAA Cotton Bowl semi-final playoff football game, Saturday, Dec. 29, 2018, in Arlington, Texas. Clemson won 30-3. (AP Photo/Jeffrey McWhorter)
Clemson carrying memories of year's loss into title game

By Pete Iacobelli Jan. 02, 2019 03:50 PM EST

Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence (16) celebrates after their 30-3 win against Notre Dame in the NCAA Cotton Bowl semi-final playoff football game, Saturday, Dec. 29, 2018, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Jeffrey McWhorter)
Lawrence lights up Notre Dame, No. 2 Clemson cruises 30-3

By Ralph D. Russo Dec. 29, 2018 07:49 PM EST

Notre Dame safety Jalen Elliott, left, is unable to stop Clemson running back Travis Etienne (9) from reaching the end zone for a touchdown in the second half of the NCAA Cotton Bowl semi-final playoff football game, Saturday, Dec. 29, 2018, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Jeffrey McWhorter)
No. 1 Alabama, No. 2 Clemson advance to title game

By The Associated Press Dec. 29, 2018 05:24 PM EST

File-This Oct. 6, 2018, file photo shows Wake Forest's Sam Hartman (10) looking to pass under pressure from Clemson's Christian Wilkins (42) during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Charlotte, N.C. Wilkins is here to put a smile on your face, whether you like it or not. For four seasons, Wilkins has been bringing the jokes, zingers and sneaky pinches on the bottom at Clemson. The 300-pound All-America defensive tackle famously celebrated the Tigers’ 2016 national championship with a split and flashed a Heisman pose after a touchdown run this season. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton, File)
Wilkins leaves legacy of laughter and leadership at Clemson

By Ralph D. Russo Dec. 27, 2018 05:11 PM EST

FILE - In this Saturday, Sept. 29, 2018 file photo, Notre Dame and Stanford face off during the first half of an NCAA college football game in South Bend, Ind. Notre Dame’s offensive line is preparing for its biggest challenge of the season. The Fighting Irish will face Clemson in a playoff semifinal at the Cotton Bowl on Dec. 29. The Tigers have one of the best defensive lines in the country and the No. 2 defense overall. Notre Dame defensive line coach Jeff Quinn says his players know what they are up against, but are confident as they get their game plan together.(AP Photo/Carlos Osorio, File)
Irish line readies for nasty Clemson defensive front

By John Fineran Dec. 19, 2018 02:51 AM EST