The Clemson freshman defender not named Bryan Bresee who is turning heads
Clemson offensive coordinator Tony Elliott was asked about the challenge his unit faces in trying to block defensive tackle Bryan Bresee during spring practice.
The No. 1 overall recruit for the class of 2020, Bresee arrived at Clemson with sky-high expectations. At 6-foot-5, 290 pounds, he looks ready to live up to the hype.
While Elliott has been impressed with Bresee thus far, there’s another freshman defensive lineman who has really caught his eye.
“Bresee is as advertised, but Bresee has been a little bit limited with the knee,” Elliott said. “But Myles Murphy, oh my gosh. That guy there, I mean he’s definitely as advertised.”
Murphy, a Georgia native, was rated as a five-star prospect and the No. 7 overall player in the country for the class of 2020 by the 247Sports Composite rankings. At 6-foot-5, 265 pounds, Murphy arrived with the size and play-making ability to help Clemson as a freshman.
“He’s really flashed so far. He’s going to push those other guys, just from my perspective, at that position,” Elliott said. “Fast, instinctual. He’s got a motor and a quick change of direction. And you can tell he’s a student of the game. He looks almost polished as a young guy.”
Tigers defensive coordinator Brent Venables, who is not always quick to heap praise on his players, shared many of the same thoughts as Elliott when asked what he’s seen from Murphy.
“The game is slow for him, all things considered. He’s been very well coached. He comes with really good fundamentals, knows how to play low and with leverage. Very explosive,” Venables said. “He’s long. He’s not only got good linear speed but good lateral movement and quickness. He sees things fast. I would say like Christian Wilkins could see the game fast.”
Clemson returns four experienced defensive linemen from last year’s College Football Playoff team that each played at least 250 snaps in 2019.
Senior Justin Foster and junior Xavier Thomas are the favorites to earn starting jobs at this point, and they are expected to be backed up by redshirt sophomore K.J. Henry and redshirt sophomore Justin Mascoll. But Murphy could get in the mix to earn a starting job, or at least be a part of the two-deep depth chart, before the start of the 2020 season.
“He’s been amazing. He’s been so explosive, so talented, very smart. He’s just going to be a great guy for us this year,” Henry said. “He’s highlighting his talents and his God-given abilities, there’s no doubt about it.”
This story was originally published March 10, 2020 at 9:58 AM.
