4. Kevin Dodd, DE
The strength of the Clemson defense is within their pass rush. While they lost a lot of depth to the draft in 2015, they still have exceptional talent up front, namely defensive ends Shaq Lawson and Kevin Dodd.
While the focus of the Clemson defense is on Lawson most times, Dodd is one of the best pass rushers in the country and is an absolute force for opposing offensive lines to have to deal with. He’s going to give the Crimson Tide’s offensive line all that it can handle in the National Championship Game.
With nine sacks on the season, Dodd has been a nightmare for quarterbacks. He has also done a good job setting the edge and limiting the opposing running backs from bouncing outside.
Alabama will be his biggest test of the season, as he can’t let Derrick Henry or Kenyan Drake bounce outside or get into space. When Alabama decides to pass, Dodd can’t let quarterback Jake Coker get any time to throw.
Alabama’s offensive line is stout and Dodd is going to have to bring a bull rush from the weak side of the field. He and Lawson have the majority of the team’s sacks on the season, which means it’s going to be up to them like it always has been.
Next: 3. Wayne Gallman