Being the new coach on a staff that has had so much continuity the last five years is not an easy transition to make. When you are the guy that has to replace coaching legends like Dan Brooks and Marion Hobby, it makes it even harder.
But new defensive line coach Todd Bates, says the transition has been easier than expected because he inherited a group of players on Clemson’s defensive line that might be the best in the country. The Tigers return Christian Wilkins and Dexter Lawrence in the middle with Clelin Ferrell and Austin Bryant out on the edges.