While Clemson lost some outstanding players off its 2016 National Championship team, the Tigers do return some talented athletes according to four nationally recognized media agencies. Nine current Clemson players are ranked among the top 125 for the 2017 by at least one national service that covers college football.
Six of the nine are on the defensive side of the ball, including three defensive linemen. Six of the nine are either offensive or defensive linemen, indicating the Tigers could be strong in the trenches in 2017.
Sophomore defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence is ranked in the top 20 nationally according to all four services.