Conventional wisdom says Clemson’s defense will have a drop off this year.
The Tigers have to replace seven starters off a unit that led the nation in scoring defense and ranked fifth in the country in total defense.
Gone is All-American defensive tackles Christian Wilkins and Dexter Lawrence. Gone is All-American defensive ends Clelin Ferrell and Austin Bryant. Gone is All-ACC linebackers Kendall Joseph and Tre Lamar. Gone is All-ACC cornerback Trayvon Mullen.
Also, Clemson lost veteran reserve players like defensive tackle Albert Huggins, linebackers J.D. Davis, Judah Davis and Shaq Smith and cornerback Mark Fields.