Dexter Lawrence is an elite defensive tackle playing college football at Clemson. He’s been making waves in the college football world since starting there in 2016. The 6’5″, 340-pound big man is considered one of the best defensive linemen in the nation, and his performance on the field is backed up by outstanding numbers. Here we’ll look at Dexter Lawrence, the Giant Defensive Tackle Making an Impact in college football.
Early Life
Dexter Lawrence was born in August of 1998 in Wake Forest, North Carolina. He played football for Wake Forest High School, earning first-team all-conference honors on both offense and defense as a junior and senior. Lawrence was heavily sought after by several major Division I schools, ultimately choosing Clemson over the likes of Florida State and LSU.
Clemson College Career
At Clemson, Lawrence has been an absolute force on defense. He was named the ACC Defensive Rookie of the Year after a standout freshman season in 2016, when he registered 8.5 tackles for loss and seven sacks. He followed that up with another impressive season in 2017, registering 12.5 TFL, three pass break-ups, and two forced fumbles.
Impact on Clemson’s Record
With Lawrence on the defensive line, Clemson has been among the best defenses in the nation. In 2016, the team allowed just 15 points per game, ranking third in the nation. They improved in 2017, allowing only 13.6 points per game, good for second in the nation. Lawrence has been a key part of this success, as he commands double and sometimes triple teams, freeing up other defenders to make plays.
NFL Draft Prospects
Lawrence is widely considered a potential first-round pick in the upcoming NFL Draft. He has the size, speed, and strength to match up against NFL linemen, and he could potentially be the highest defensive lineman taken in the draft. The fact that he has two years of solid production at the college level makes him an even more attractive option for NFL teams.
Scouting Report
Size: At 6’5″ and 340 pounds, Lawrence is an imposing figure. He has the size and strength to take on NFL offensive linemen, and he has the speed and agility to be disruptive in the backfield.
Strength: Lawrence is an incredibly strong player, evidenced by his impressive combine numbers. He posted a bench press of 37 reps at 225 pounds, as well as a 35″ vertical jump. He also ran the 40-yard dash in 4.9 seconds.
Versatility: Lawrence can line up at both the nose tackle and defensive end positions, giving him the ability to disrupt the backfield from multiple spots.
Motor: Lawrence has been praised by scouts for his high motor and aggressiveness. He regularly makes plays in the backfield, and he gives 100% each play.
Dexter Lawrence has all the physical tools to be a top-tier defensive lineman in the NFL. He has already been dominant at the college level, and he’s only going to get better. He could very well be a top-five pick in the draft, as he has the size, strength, agility, and motor to be an impact player in the NFL. There’s no doubt that Dexter Lawrence is the Giant Defensive Tackle Making an Impact in college football.
