They signed with Clemson as nation’s top recruits. D-line duo delivered in 2020 opener
Bryan Bresee and Myles Murphy were key parts of Clemson’s highly touted 2020 recruiting class. They showed why Saturday.
The two freshmen and future cornerstones of the Tigers’ defense shined in their first college games as Clemson defeated Wake Forest 37-13.
Bresee, a defensive tackle who was ranked as the nation’s top recruit, showed both the nerves of a freshman and his playmaking ability in Clemson’s first series. He jumped offsides on the third play but had a half-sack of Wake Forest quarterback Sam Hartman two plays later.
Bresee also blocked a kick and finished with two tackles, one for loss.
“Like a big puppy dog, Labrador letting him outside for the first time and bring him home for the first time and he is wetting himself all over the place,” Clemson defensive coordinator Brent Venables said. ”Offside on the first series. Classic. But he has done well. Older guys, they are excited about him. Bryan did the same things tonight since he has gotten here last spring.”
Clemson sophomore K.J. Henry said Bresee was anxious and had a lot of energy going into his first college game. The two roomed together Friday night, and Bresee spent much of the evening asking questions: What time does the team get dressed for the game? When is the pre-game meal?
“Don’t think I got asked more questions in a hotel room before,” said Henry, who had four tackles and a sack in his return to his hometown of Winston-Salem, North Carolina. ”He is such a great kid and wants to be so good. That is what you want. I am glad he got to show out.”
Murphy, a defensive end the No. 7 prospect in the country, led the team with seven tackles — three of those for loss — and two sacks. He was the first Clemson true freshman to record multiple sacks in a game since Dexter Lawrence against Virginia Tech in the 2016 ACC Championship.
“Bresee and Myles Murphy showed up pretty quick and I expected that,” Clemson coach Dabo Swinney said.
There have been high expectations for Bresee and Murphy since they arrived on campus in January. The two were part of the 2020 Tigers’ recruiting class ranked No. 3 by 247Sports Composite and one that Swinney called a “special group” on early signing day back in December.
The two are part of Clemson’s revamped defense, which included nine new starters from a year ago. The Tigers also were missing three key players who didn’t make the trip, including defensive lineman Justin Foster.
With the talent of young guys like Bresee and Murphy, Clemson’s defense will be in good hands this season and in years to come.
“It was great to see them adjust to the game plan. As the game went on they got more and more comfortable with the scheme,” Henry said. “These guys come with the right mindset and ability to work. I was glad they got their jitters out early and make some plays, get known and let America know them.”
This story was originally published September 13, 2020 at 6:01 AM.
