ACC Football 2017: Biggest x-factor for every team

TAMPA, FL - JANUARY 09: Clemson Tigers defensive end Clelin Ferrell (99) is blocked by Alabama Crimson Tide offensive lineman Cam Robinson (74) during the 2017 College Football National Championship Game between the Clemson Tigers and Alabama Crimson Tide on January 9, 2017, at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, FL. Clemson defeated Alabama 35-31. (Photo by Mark LoMoglio/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

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TAMPA, FL – JANUARY 09: Defensive End Clelin Ferrell #99 of the Clemson Tigers during the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship Game against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Raymond James Stadium on January 9, 2017 in Tampa, Florida. The Clemson Tigers defeated The Alabama Crimson Tide 35 to 31. (Photo by Don Juan Moore/Getty Images) /

Clemson – Clelin Ferrell

Clemson’s defensive line is the heart and soul of this team. Look no further than Clelin Ferrell burst onto the scene as a redshirt freshman and made an immediate impact. Ferrell was able to rack up 50 tackles, 12.5 for loss, and 6 sacks. His pass rush off the edge will be an important component in defending the National Championship title in 2017.

Ferrell really put his stamp on the Clemson defense late in the season when he notched three sacks in the Fiesta Bowl against Ohio State. Buckeyes quarterback J.T. Barrett was just never able to get it going after he was harassed the entire game. Clemson is going to need that kind of impact if they want to compete in 2017.

Clemson has had quite the track record of talented pass rushers under Dabo Swinney’s watch. Vic Beasley, Shaq Lawson, and Kevin Dodd come to mind in recent years. Now it’s Ferrell’s turn to take his game to the next level as NFL scouts are surely watching. Make no mistake about it, Ferrell could wind up in the first-round if he can put it all together in 2017.

Fortunately for Ferrell, he’s going to have every opportunity in the world to be a difference maker. The Tigers probably have the best defensive tackle duo in the country with Christian Wilkins and Dexter Lawrence. Wilkins is probably ticketed for the first round and has that Gerald McCoy type of potential. Lawrence is the big 340-pound nose tackle that just clogs the middle of the defense. If you can’t create some pass rush with those guys next to you, something isn’t right.

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