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Clemson Top 10: Tigers count on D.J. Reader to fill Jarrett-sized gap

CLEMSON — It’s one of the most rugged and thankless spots on a football team.

D.J. READER

Position: Defensive tackle

Year: Senior

Height/weight: 6-2, 325

Hometown: Greensboro, N.C.

Last season: Former two-sport athlete (baseball) had 27 tackles, 10 quarterback pressures in backup role behind NFL-sized defensive line

Defensive tackle is not a position for the weak of heart, stomach or deltoids. It’s where the dirty work gets done, down after down after down.

To help college football fans get through the dog days of summer before the conference media days begin the preseason football frenzy later this month, The Post and Courier is counting down the 10 most important players for South Carolina and Clemson for 2015.