‘I guess they like the slide.’ How the ACC reacted to return of Clemson D-line
There was nothing but joy around the Clemson football facility in January when All-Americans Christian Wilkins, Clelin Ferrell and Austin Bryant announced that they would be returning to play for the Tigers in 2018.
Most expected the three defensive linemen to turn pro. Instead, they decided to return to Clemson to make another run at a national title and to improve their draft stock.
While the news led to smiles all around Clemson, the rest of the ACC had a different reaction.
“I remember saying, ‘Oh God.’ I was hoping those guys would move on, man,” Boston College coach Steve Addazio said Thursday at the ACC Kickoff event in Charlotte. “They’re talented. I think it speaks volumes to the chemistry they have in their program.”
Miami coach Mark Richt, whose Hurricanes suffered a 38-3 loss to Clemson in the ACC championship game last season, had a similar reaction.
“I thought they had all turned pro but I don’t know, I guess they like the slide,” Richt joked. “It’s awesome. What they’re doing, whatever they’re doing, they’re doing it right. That’s good stuff.”
Most coaches and players at the ACC Kickoff event held Wednesday and Thursday at The Westin in Charlotte seemed disappointed to have to deal with Clemson’s defensive line again. Yet they also respected the decisions to pass up NFL money and return to try to win a second national title in three years and a fourth consecutive ACC title.
“They’re really good. I get it because our guys did the same thing a year ago. They obviously have a great bond and chemistry there,” N.C. State coach Dave Doeren said. “If it was all about dollars, they probably would’ve left, so I respect it and respect them. They’re a great group.”
There has been plenty of praise for Clemson’s defensive line unit throughout the preseason, not just last week at the ACC Kickoff event.
Wilkins, Ferrell, Bryant and rising junior Dexter Lawrence are on the cover of an Athlon Sports magazine previewing the 2018 college football season. The four also were featured in an ESPN segment with analyst Trevor Matich earlier this month.
Ferrell, who represented Clemson at the ACC Kickoff event, doesn’t mind all of the attention but made it clear that the Tigers have not accomplished anything yet in 2018.
Ferrell even covered his ears when Tigers offensive tackle Mitch Hyatt was asked about Clemson’s defensive front on Thursday and started praising the unit.
“We’re ready to just go out there and play and perform because that’s what it’s all about. I mean, people just keep asking us how good can we really be? I mean, I don’t know,” Ferrell said. “We’re very talented, but I hope I get asked this question at the end of the season. That would be a better time to answer it. But yeah, that’s basically it, not trying to listen to the outside noise because obviously I know we’re a talented group. But we’re more so about the action, we want to walk the walk rather than just talk it.”
This story was originally published July 21, 2018 at 11:50 AM.