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25M FOOTBALL
Pro Football Focus: Clemson's Defensive Players
Corey Bodden • BlueAndGold.com
Click HERE to sign up for an annual subscription to BlueAndGold.com and get your FREE gift code for $99 in Irish apparel and gear!
Dexter Lawrence (90), Austin Bryant (7) and Clelin Ferrell (99) lead a ferocious Clemson defensive line.
AP Photo
Notre Dame is set to face the No. 2 Clemson Tigers in the Cotton Bowl semifinal on Dec. 29 held at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
The No. 3 Fighting Irish will have quite the challenge in slowing down the undefeated ACC champions coached by Dabo Swinney.
Heading into the matchup, Blue & Gold Illustrated will have plenty of articles breaking down the contest and how the two teams match up.
In the second of two articles, BGI takes a look at how the Clemson defensive starters and key rotation players have graded out this year, according to Pro Football Focus. A snapshot of the Irish on the respective side of the ball will be provided as well to showcase the grades between the Clemson offense and Notre Dame defense and vice versa.
To begin, let's take a look at how the Clemson defense stacks up against the Notre Dame offense. You can check out more about the Tigers offensively HERE.
Note: Grades highlighted in light blue indicate an elite grade from PFF.
Overall, Clemson's defense has graded out at 95.4, which is tied for third nationally behind Alabama and Washington and even with Miami (Fla.).
The unit does boast the top run defense grade at 97.5 and pass rush mark of 91.0 while ranking 52nd in coverage at 89.5.
To counter, Notre Dame has the 41st-highest offensive grade at 78.6. The Irish sit 59th in the pass game at 72.3 while 79th on the ground at 72.7. Right tackle Robert Hainsey (73.6) is the lone current regular starter with a grade above 70. Left guard Aaron Banks is close at 69.3. Notre Dame's offensive line will have their hands full with four Clemson defensive linemen possessing a grade of at least 84.7.
Quarterback Ian Book has graded out at 76.9 this season and will go against the Tigers secondary that is outside the top 50 in the FBS. Running back Dexter Williams is the second-highest rated offensive player for the Irish at 77.7 and will be a key figure in trying to establish the ground game against a talented front.
Take a deeper looking into the Tigers individual offensive players, per the grading of PFF, below with starters and key rotational players included.
KEY
PFF Grade = The overall grade for offense or defense for that particular player. Other specific grades will be noted in each section.
PFF (Conference) Rank = Where the player ranks among their position for overall grade within the league.
Note: Conference rankings factor in number of snaps player with conference championship game performances not factored in; N/A = player did not meet threshold
* = Starter
DE CLELIN FERRELL*
2018 Stats: 47 tackles, 17.5 for loss, 10.5 sacks
PFF Grade: 84.7
PFF ACC Position Rank: 6th
Ferrell has been a terror for opposing offensive linemen all year with a team-high 10.5 sacks. The defensive end posted his best overall mark of the year (89.8) in an early season road win over Texas A&M after going for three total tackles for loss and two sacks. Though he has just one grade over 80.0, he has 11 games with at least a 67.1 grade.
Ferrell has been consistent in both getting to the quarterback and defending the run. He's been a tad better in the pass (83.1) while recording an 81.0 grade in the run. But, he is just one of multiple edge players teams have to worry about.
DE AUSTIN BRYANT*
2018 Stats: 36 tackles, 11.5 for loss, 6.5 sacks
PFF Grade: 68.0
PFF ACC Position Rank: 30th
Though he has the lowest overall grade of the four starting defensive linemen for the Tigers, Bryant is second on the team in sacks with 6.5. Bryant's efforts have given him a 65.0 grade per PFF in getting to the quarterback while posting a better 70.0 mark in the run game.
Bryant's top performance came in a win over Georgia Southern (74.7) where he notched three total tackles and two sacks. His second was his last time out in the ACC title victory over Pittsburgh (72.9) with five tackles.
DE XAVIER THOMAS
2018 Stats: 28 tackles, 7.5 for loss, 3.0 sacks
PFF Grade: 88.3
PFF ACC Position Rank: 5th
The former five-star defensive end began the year strong with seven games of his first eight with at least a grade of 76.8, but his last five have been under 73.6 leading into the playoff. Thomas's best grade was against Florida State (89.8) where he recorded a sack in the win.
With a pass rush grade of 87.4, Thomas has been strong against the run as well with a mark of 81.1 to go with a tackling grade of 73.0 so far this season. Even when Bryant and Ferrell come out of the game, the Tigers have talent such as Thomas to continue bringing the pressure.
DT CHRISTIAN WILKINS*
2018 Stats: 46 tackles, 12.5 for loss and 4.5 sacks
PFF Grade: 93.2
PFF ACC Position Rank: 1st
What makes the Clemson defense so good? Most will likely start with Wilkins up the middle. He ranks among the top five nationally for interior players and has recorded 4.5 sacks this season. He's posted three games this year with a 90.0 grade — Georgia Tech (92.1), Louisville (91.8) and Furman (91.7) — with stellar marks in pass rush (90.7) and run defense (93.5).
Irish center Sam Mustipher, Banks and guard Tommy Kraemer will be key in slowing down Wilkins from getting to Book up the middle and allowing him to step up into the pocket.
DT DEXTER LAWRENCE*
2018 Stats: 36 tackles, 7.0 for loss, 1.5 sacks
PFF Grade: 90.3
PFF ACC Position Rank: 3rd
Right next to Wilkins is another very talented interior player in Lawrence. He does not have the sack numbers of Wilkins, but he has been quite effective throughout the year holding down anchor in the middle of the Tigers defense.
Lawrence has been better against the run (90.3) than the pass (81.5) and has been a reliable tackler (84.1) for the year. Lawrence's top grade came just a couple of weeks before the conclusion of the regular season in a victory over Duke (83.9). He will be tough to handle in the interior for the Irish.
DT NYLES PINCKNEY
2018 Stats: 21 tackles, 2.5 for loss
PFF Grade: 77.9
PFF ACC Position Rank: 12th
Like most major programs, Clemson utilizes a rotation along the defensive line and the interior is no different. Pinckney is not the menace like Lawrence or Wilkins, but he has put together a strong season which has led to his above average grade from the service.
Pinckney has been much more effective in the run game this fall with an 80.0 grade and a top mark of 91.9 in a win over Georgia Southern. He's posted a grade of 68.0 in every game this year when it comes to rushing the passer for an average of 61.7.
DT ALBERT HUGGINS
2018 Stats: 16 tackles, 3.5 for loss and 2.5 sacks
PFF Grade: 73.9
PFF ACC Position Rank: 25th
Huggins has made the most of his chances this fall with the 2.5 sacks from his defensive tackle position. He recorded his top grade all the way back in the opener against Furman (84.0) when he registered three tackles and a .5 sack. A sack against Florida State helped Huggins notch his second-best mark of 83.0.
Huggins has been solid in both rushing the passer (75.0) and defending the run (72.2). Furman and Florida State were his best grades in both categories as well during the team's 13-0 start.
LB TRE LAMAR*
2018 Stats: 68 tackles, 5.5 for loss, 3.0 sacks, one interception
PFF Grade: 86.1
PFF ACC Position Rank: 3rd
Lamar is third between the starting linebackers when it comes to total stops, but he has earned the highest grade so far entering the playoffs. His best two grades came in back-to-back weeks when he recorded 10 tackles against Syracuse (86.1) and eight tackles and two sacks versus Wake Forest (85.7).
Lamar has been great against the run this year (91.8) while earning a pass rush grade of 72.7. Coverage has been a little shakier (58.8) for Lamar, so the Irish may look to exploit that and create favorable matchups with Lamar with running backs, tight ends or even slot receivers.
LB ISAIAH SIMMONS*
2018 Stats: 74 tackles, 7.5 for loss, 1.5 sacks
PFF Grade: 81.6
PFF ACC Position Rank: T-6th
The honor of being the leading tackler for the Tigers goes to Simmons, who also possesses the second-best PFF grade of the starters on the second-level. Even with an 80.0-plus grade, SImmons's top grade is 76.9 against Georgia Southern (five tackles). Like Lamar, Simmons has been more consistent stopping the run (90.1) than rushing the passer (67.1).
Unlike Lamar, Simmons has been good in coverage (76.5) throughout the year.
LB KENDALL JOSEPH*
2018 Stats: 73 tackles, 5.5 for loss, 3.5 sacks
PFF Grade: 73.8
PFF ACC Position Rank: 21st
Joseph is right behind Simmons in tackles and has been able to get to the quarterback a few times as well (68.5). In a win over Florida State where he notched four tackles, Joseph recorded his top overall grade of 77.9. His next two came in the following weeks against Boston College (76.6) and Louisville (75.5) where he combined for 17 tackles and 2.5 sacks.
Against the Irish, Joseph could be a target when the offense tries to exploit matchups in the pass game with a coverage grade of just 61.0 and a tackle mark of 64.3.
LB J.D. DAVIS
2018 Stats: 36 tackles, 5.0 for loss, 2.0 sacks
PFF Grade: 72.3
PFF ACC Position Rank: 24th
Davis will get a few chances for the Tigers when Joseph, Lamar or Simmons need a quick breather. His best game of the season, per PFF, came in the opener against Furman where he recorded just two tackles.
Davis has been strong in stuffing the run with a 83.9 grade including a 79.9 mark in the ACC title win over Pittsburgh. Coverage (57.9) and tackling (45.9) have not been his strong points this season.
LB JALEN WILLIAMS
2018 Stats: 17 tackles, one interception
PFF Grade: 60.0
PFF ACC Position Rank: 43rd
The Irish may also see some of Williams on Dec. 29 as part of the linebacker rotation. Williams put together an average 60.0 grade for the season with a 72.0 mark in the run and 59.2 rushing the passer. His coverage has been less than stellar as well (51.8).
CB TRAYVON MULLEN*
2018 Stats: 25 tackles, 3.0 for loss, 1.0 sacks
PFF Grade: 75.9
PFF ACC Position Rank: 12th
At 6-foot-2, Mullen will be key in stopping the 6-foot-4 receivers (Boykin and Claypool) on the outside. The potential NFL Draft pick has the highest grade of the starting cornerbacks for the Tigers thanks to 81.3 and 85.4 marks in run defense and tackling, respectively.
Mullen has a coverage grade of 73.2, but just one individual game (Duke) above 70.0 (77.3). South Carolina quarterback Jake Bentley threw for over 500 yards while Kellen Mond recorded over 400. The Clemson cornerbacks will be a major key in stopping the Irish from accumulating the same amount of yardage in Arlington.
CB A.J. TERRELL*
2018 Stats: 42 tackles, two interceptions
PFF Grade: 74.2
PFF ACC Position Rank: 22nd
Terrell will enter the playoffs with some momentum after recording his best grade of the season against Pittsburgh (74.2) after recording four tackles and an interception to help keep the Panthers in check. Terrell has actually graded out better in coverage this year (74.6) compared to Mullen with his best also being against the Panthers (77.4).
Terrell has been strong in tackling (80.3) while posting a solid mark of 71.7 in stopping the run.
CB MARK FIELDS
2018 Stats: Seven tackles, three passes defended
PFF Grade: 63.0
PFF ACC Position Rank: 45th
Outside of Mullen and Terrell, the Tigers will utilize Fields on the outside as well with 289 snaps played in 11 contests this year.
There has been a drop between the starters and Fields with the overall grade of 63.0 and a 64.6 coverage mark. Fields has struggled tackling this season (30.8) and in stopping the run (52.7). A heavy dosage of Mullen and Terrell is expected if the Irish use two tight ends on the field, but Fields could see time if the team goes three-wide.
S TANNER MUSE*
2018 Stats: 53 tackles, 2.0 for loss and two interceptions
PFF Grade: 82.9
PFF ACC Position Rank: 2nd
Muse is the top-rated starting defensive back for the Tigers this season with a top grade of 88.2 in a win over Wake Forest where he recorded two tackles and one interception. The safety has been strong in run support (84.1) while holding his own in coverage at 75.9. Tackling has been okay for Muse at 69.5.
If the Irish decide to take a few deep shots to stretch the field, Muse will be one to watch when it comes to potentially making a play.
S K'VON WALLACE*
2018 Stats: 43 tackles, one interception
PFF Grade: 75.8
PFF ACC Position Rank: 18th
Wallace lines up next to Muse in the middle of the field and like Muse, Wallace has been strong in defending the run (80.3) and in coverage (74.4). Wallace posted coverage grades of 89.0 and 81.8 in wins over Texas A&M and NC state, respectively, where he recorded nine combined tackles, one interception and one pass defended.
The safety also has six tackling grades in the 80s this year for a total mark of 73.5.
S DENZEL JOHNSON
2018 Stats: 24 tackles, 2.5 for loss
PFF Grade: 80.7
PFF ACC Position Rank: 8th
Though not a starter, Johnson has the second-highest grade of the safeties the Tigers use in their rotation. Johnson posted a top mark of 77.0 in a win over Texas A&M while his next came in at 76.7 against South Carolina (three tackles) to close out the regular season.
Johnson has been stellar in coverage this year with a grade of 86.6 to go with a 65.0 run defense grade.
S NOLAN TURNER
2018 Stats: 27 tackles
PFF Grade: 65.8
PFF ACC Position Rank: 36th
Though he has three more tackles than Johnson, Turner has graded out over 15 points lower overall this season. Turner has struggled in coverage at times with an overall mark of 60.6, but has fared better in the run game at 74.6. His tackling grade of 43.3 has not helped his total grade from the service.
Turner and Johnson will need to be on their games when they get a chance to be on the field against the Irish offense.
POS CLEMSON GRADE POS NOTRE DAME GRADE
LB Tre Lamar 86.1 QB Ian Book 76.9
LB Kendall Joseph 73.8 RB Dexter Williams 77.7
SS K'Von Wallace 75.8 WR Miles Boykin 78.9
FS Tanner Muse 82.9 WR Chase Claypool 70.2
CB Trayvon Mullen 75.9 WR Chris Finke 70.2
CB A.J. Terrell 74.2 TE Alizé Mack 59.5
LB Isaiah Simmons 81.6 LT Liam Eichenberg 62.1
DE Clelin Ferrell 84.7 LG Aaron Banks 69.3
DT Christian Wilkins 93.2 C Sam Mustipher 65.0
NT Dexter Lawrence 90.3 RG Tommy Kraemer 62.6
DE Austin Bryant 68.0 RT Robert Hainsey 73.6
POS TOP RESERVES GRADE POS TOP RESERVES GRADE
DE Xavier Thomas 88.3 RB Jafar Armstrong 74.2
DT Nyles Pinckney 77.9 RB Tony Jones Jr. 68.6
DT Albert Huggins 73.9 WR Kevin Austin 68.4
S Denzel Johnson 80.7 TE Cole Kmet 58.3
CB Mark Fields 63.0 TE Nic Weishar 53.2
25M FOOTBALL
Pro Football Focus: Clemson's Defensive Players
Corey Bodden • BlueAndGold.com
Click HERE to sign up for an annual subscription to BlueAndGold.com and get your FREE gift code for $99 in Irish apparel and gear!
Dexter Lawrence (90), Austin Bryant (7) and Clelin Ferrell (99) lead a ferocious Clemson defensive line.
AP Photo
Notre Dame is set to face the No. 2 Clemson Tigers in the Cotton Bowl semifinal on Dec. 29 held at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
The No. 3 Fighting Irish will have quite the challenge in slowing down the undefeated ACC champions coached by Dabo Swinney.
Heading into the matchup, Blue & Gold Illustrated will have plenty of articles breaking down the contest and how the two teams match up.
In the second of two articles, BGI takes a look at how the Clemson defensive starters and key rotation players have graded out this year, according to Pro Football Focus. A snapshot of the Irish on the respective side of the ball will be provided as well to showcase the grades between the Clemson offense and Notre Dame defense and vice versa.
To begin, let's take a look at how the Clemson defense stacks up against the Notre Dame offense. You can check out more about the Tigers offensively HERE.
Note: Grades highlighted in light blue indicate an elite grade from PFF.
Overall, Clemson's defense has graded out at 95.4, which is tied for third nationally behind Alabama and Washington and even with Miami (Fla.).
The unit does boast the top run defense grade at 97.5 and pass rush mark of 91.0 while ranking 52nd in coverage at 89.5.
To counter, Notre Dame has the 41st-highest offensive grade at 78.6. The Irish sit 59th in the pass game at 72.3 while 79th on the ground at 72.7. Right tackle Robert Hainsey (73.6) is the lone current regular starter with a grade above 70. Left guard Aaron Banks is close at 69.3. Notre Dame's offensive line will have their hands full with four Clemson defensive linemen possessing a grade of at least 84.7.
Quarterback Ian Book has graded out at 76.9 this season and will go against the Tigers secondary that is outside the top 50 in the FBS. Running back Dexter Williams is the second-highest rated offensive player for the Irish at 77.7 and will be a key figure in trying to establish the ground game against a talented front.
Take a deeper looking into the Tigers individual offensive players, per the grading of PFF, below with starters and key rotational players included.
KEY
PFF Grade = The overall grade for offense or defense for that particular player. Other specific grades will be noted in each section.
PFF (Conference) Rank = Where the player ranks among their position for overall grade within the league.
Note: Conference rankings factor in number of snaps player with conference championship game performances not factored in; N/A = player did not meet threshold
* = Starter
DE CLELIN FERRELL*
2018 Stats: 47 tackles, 17.5 for loss, 10.5 sacks
PFF Grade: 84.7
PFF ACC Position Rank: 6th
Ferrell has been a terror for opposing offensive linemen all year with a team-high 10.5 sacks. The defensive end posted his best overall mark of the year (89.8) in an early season road win over Texas A&M after going for three total tackles for loss and two sacks. Though he has just one grade over 80.0, he has 11 games with at least a 67.1 grade.
Ferrell has been consistent in both getting to the quarterback and defending the run. He's been a tad better in the pass (83.1) while recording an 81.0 grade in the run. But, he is just one of multiple edge players teams have to worry about.
DE AUSTIN BRYANT*
2018 Stats: 36 tackles, 11.5 for loss, 6.5 sacks
PFF Grade: 68.0
PFF ACC Position Rank: 30th
Though he has the lowest overall grade of the four starting defensive linemen for the Tigers, Bryant is second on the team in sacks with 6.5. Bryant's efforts have given him a 65.0 grade per PFF in getting to the quarterback while posting a better 70.0 mark in the run game.
Bryant's top performance came in a win over Georgia Southern (74.7) where he notched three total tackles and two sacks. His second was his last time out in the ACC title victory over Pittsburgh (72.9) with five tackles.
DE XAVIER THOMAS
2018 Stats: 28 tackles, 7.5 for loss, 3.0 sacks
PFF Grade: 88.3
PFF ACC Position Rank: 5th
The former five-star defensive end began the year strong with seven games of his first eight with at least a grade of 76.8, but his last five have been under 73.6 leading into the playoff. Thomas's best grade was against Florida State (89.8) where he recorded a sack in the win.
With a pass rush grade of 87.4, Thomas has been strong against the run as well with a mark of 81.1 to go with a tackling grade of 73.0 so far this season. Even when Bryant and Ferrell come out of the game, the Tigers have talent such as Thomas to continue bringing the pressure.
DT CHRISTIAN WILKINS*
2018 Stats: 46 tackles, 12.5 for loss and 4.5 sacks
PFF Grade: 93.2
PFF ACC Position Rank: 1st
What makes the Clemson defense so good? Most will likely start with Wilkins up the middle. He ranks among the top five nationally for interior players and has recorded 4.5 sacks this season. He's posted three games this year with a 90.0 grade — Georgia Tech (92.1), Louisville (91.8) and Furman (91.7) — with stellar marks in pass rush (90.7) and run defense (93.5).
Irish center Sam Mustipher, Banks and guard Tommy Kraemer will be key in slowing down Wilkins from getting to Book up the middle and allowing him to step up into the pocket.
DT DEXTER LAWRENCE*
2018 Stats: 36 tackles, 7.0 for loss, 1.5 sacks
PFF Grade: 90.3
PFF ACC Position Rank: 3rd
Right next to Wilkins is another very talented interior player in Lawrence. He does not have the sack numbers of Wilkins, but he has been quite effective throughout the year holding down anchor in the middle of the Tigers defense.
Lawrence has been better against the run (90.3) than the pass (81.5) and has been a reliable tackler (84.1) for the year. Lawrence's top grade came just a couple of weeks before the conclusion of the regular season in a victory over Duke (83.9). He will be tough to handle in the interior for the Irish.
DT NYLES PINCKNEY
2018 Stats: 21 tackles, 2.5 for loss
PFF Grade: 77.9
PFF ACC Position Rank: 12th
Like most major programs, Clemson utilizes a rotation along the defensive line and the interior is no different. Pinckney is not the menace like Lawrence or Wilkins, but he has put together a strong season which has led to his above average grade from the service.
Pinckney has been much more effective in the run game this fall with an 80.0 grade and a top mark of 91.9 in a win over Georgia Southern. He's posted a grade of 68.0 in every game this year when it comes to rushing the passer for an average of 61.7.
DT ALBERT HUGGINS
2018 Stats: 16 tackles, 3.5 for loss and 2.5 sacks
PFF Grade: 73.9
PFF ACC Position Rank: 25th
Huggins has made the most of his chances this fall with the 2.5 sacks from his defensive tackle position. He recorded his top grade all the way back in the opener against Furman (84.0) when he registered three tackles and a .5 sack. A sack against Florida State helped Huggins notch his second-best mark of 83.0.
Huggins has been solid in both rushing the passer (75.0) and defending the run (72.2). Furman and Florida State were his best grades in both categories as well during the team's 13-0 start.
LB TRE LAMAR*
2018 Stats: 68 tackles, 5.5 for loss, 3.0 sacks, one interception
PFF Grade: 86.1
PFF ACC Position Rank: 3rd
Lamar is third between the starting linebackers when it comes to total stops, but he has earned the highest grade so far entering the playoffs. His best two grades came in back-to-back weeks when he recorded 10 tackles against Syracuse (86.1) and eight tackles and two sacks versus Wake Forest (85.7).
Lamar has been great against the run this year (91.8) while earning a pass rush grade of 72.7. Coverage has been a little shakier (58.8) for Lamar, so the Irish may look to exploit that and create favorable matchups with Lamar with running backs, tight ends or even slot receivers.
LB ISAIAH SIMMONS*
2018 Stats: 74 tackles, 7.5 for loss, 1.5 sacks
PFF Grade: 81.6
PFF ACC Position Rank: T-6th
The honor of being the leading tackler for the Tigers goes to Simmons, who also possesses the second-best PFF grade of the starters on the second-level. Even with an 80.0-plus grade, SImmons's top grade is 76.9 against Georgia Southern (five tackles). Like Lamar, Simmons has been more consistent stopping the run (90.1) than rushing the passer (67.1).
Unlike Lamar, Simmons has been good in coverage (76.5) throughout the year.
LB KENDALL JOSEPH*
2018 Stats: 73 tackles, 5.5 for loss, 3.5 sacks
PFF Grade: 73.8
PFF ACC Position Rank: 21st
Joseph is right behind Simmons in tackles and has been able to get to the quarterback a few times as well (68.5). In a win over Florida State where he notched four tackles, Joseph recorded his top overall grade of 77.9. His next two came in the following weeks against Boston College (76.6) and Louisville (75.5) where he combined for 17 tackles and 2.5 sacks.
Against the Irish, Joseph could be a target when the offense tries to exploit matchups in the pass game with a coverage grade of just 61.0 and a tackle mark of 64.3.
LB J.D. DAVIS
2018 Stats: 36 tackles, 5.0 for loss, 2.0 sacks
PFF Grade: 72.3
PFF ACC Position Rank: 24th
Davis will get a few chances for the Tigers when Joseph, Lamar or Simmons need a quick breather. His best game of the season, per PFF, came in the opener against Furman where he recorded just two tackles.
Davis has been strong in stuffing the run with a 83.9 grade including a 79.9 mark in the ACC title win over Pittsburgh. Coverage (57.9) and tackling (45.9) have not been his strong points this season.
LB JALEN WILLIAMS
2018 Stats: 17 tackles, one interception
PFF Grade: 60.0
PFF ACC Position Rank: 43rd
The Irish may also see some of Williams on Dec. 29 as part of the linebacker rotation. Williams put together an average 60.0 grade for the season with a 72.0 mark in the run and 59.2 rushing the passer. His coverage has been less than stellar as well (51.8).
CB TRAYVON MULLEN*
2018 Stats: 25 tackles, 3.0 for loss, 1.0 sacks
PFF Grade: 75.9
PFF ACC Position Rank: 12th
At 6-foot-2, Mullen will be key in stopping the 6-foot-4 receivers (Boykin and Claypool) on the outside. The potential NFL Draft pick has the highest grade of the starting cornerbacks for the Tigers thanks to 81.3 and 85.4 marks in run defense and tackling, respectively.
Mullen has a coverage grade of 73.2, but just one individual game (Duke) above 70.0 (77.3). South Carolina quarterback Jake Bentley threw for over 500 yards while Kellen Mond recorded over 400. The Clemson cornerbacks will be a major key in stopping the Irish from accumulating the same amount of yardage in Arlington.
CB A.J. TERRELL*
2018 Stats: 42 tackles, two interceptions
PFF Grade: 74.2
PFF ACC Position Rank: 22nd
Terrell will enter the playoffs with some momentum after recording his best grade of the season against Pittsburgh (74.2) after recording four tackles and an interception to help keep the Panthers in check. Terrell has actually graded out better in coverage this year (74.6) compared to Mullen with his best also being against the Panthers (77.4).
Terrell has been strong in tackling (80.3) while posting a solid mark of 71.7 in stopping the run.
CB MARK FIELDS
2018 Stats: Seven tackles, three passes defended
PFF Grade: 63.0
PFF ACC Position Rank: 45th
Outside of Mullen and Terrell, the Tigers will utilize Fields on the outside as well with 289 snaps played in 11 contests this year.
There has been a drop between the starters and Fields with the overall grade of 63.0 and a 64.6 coverage mark. Fields has struggled tackling this season (30.8) and in stopping the run (52.7). A heavy dosage of Mullen and Terrell is expected if the Irish use two tight ends on the field, but Fields could see time if the team goes three-wide.
S TANNER MUSE*
2018 Stats: 53 tackles, 2.0 for loss and two interceptions
PFF Grade: 82.9
PFF ACC Position Rank: 2nd
Muse is the top-rated starting defensive back for the Tigers this season with a top grade of 88.2 in a win over Wake Forest where he recorded two tackles and one interception. The safety has been strong in run support (84.1) while holding his own in coverage at 75.9. Tackling has been okay for Muse at 69.5.
If the Irish decide to take a few deep shots to stretch the field, Muse will be one to watch when it comes to potentially making a play.
S K'VON WALLACE*
2018 Stats: 43 tackles, one interception
PFF Grade: 75.8
PFF ACC Position Rank: 18th
Wallace lines up next to Muse in the middle of the field and like Muse, Wallace has been strong in defending the run (80.3) and in coverage (74.4). Wallace posted coverage grades of 89.0 and 81.8 in wins over Texas A&M and NC state, respectively, where he recorded nine combined tackles, one interception and one pass defended.
The safety also has six tackling grades in the 80s this year for a total mark of 73.5.
S DENZEL JOHNSON
2018 Stats: 24 tackles, 2.5 for loss
PFF Grade: 80.7
PFF ACC Position Rank: 8th
Though not a starter, Johnson has the second-highest grade of the safeties the Tigers use in their rotation. Johnson posted a top mark of 77.0 in a win over Texas A&M while his next came in at 76.7 against South Carolina (three tackles) to close out the regular season.
Johnson has been stellar in coverage this year with a grade of 86.6 to go with a 65.0 run defense grade.
S NOLAN TURNER
2018 Stats: 27 tackles
PFF Grade: 65.8
PFF ACC Position Rank: 36th
Though he has three more tackles than Johnson, Turner has graded out over 15 points lower overall this season. Turner has struggled in coverage at times with an overall mark of 60.6, but has fared better in the run game at 74.6. His tackling grade of 43.3 has not helped his total grade from the service.
Turner and Johnson will need to be on their games when they get a chance to be on the field against the Irish offense.
POS CLEMSON GRADE POS NOTRE DAME GRADE
LB Tre Lamar 86.1 QB Ian Book 76.9
LB Kendall Joseph 73.8 RB Dexter Williams 77.7
SS K'Von Wallace 75.8 WR Miles Boykin 78.9
FS Tanner Muse 82.9 WR Chase Claypool 70.2
CB Trayvon Mullen 75.9 WR Chris Finke 70.2
CB A.J. Terrell 74.2 TE Alizé Mack 59.5
LB Isaiah Simmons 81.6 LT Liam Eichenberg 62.1
DE Clelin Ferrell 84.7 LG Aaron Banks 69.3
DT Christian Wilkins 93.2 C Sam Mustipher 65.0
NT Dexter Lawrence 90.3 RG Tommy Kraemer 62.6
DE Austin Bryant 68.0 RT Robert Hainsey 73.6
POS TOP RESERVES GRADE POS TOP RESERVES GRADE
DE Xavier Thomas 88.3 RB Jafar Armstrong 74.2
DT Nyles Pinckney 77.9 RB Tony Jones Jr. 68.6
DT Albert Huggins 73.9 WR Kevin Austin 68.4
S Denzel Johnson 80.7 TE Cole Kmet 58.3
CB Mark Fields 63.0 TE Nic Weishar 53.2
