ACC Football 2018 Preview: Can anyone stop Clemson?

CHARLOTTE, NC - DECEMBER 02: Head coach Dabo Swinney of the Clemson Tigers accepts the ACC Football Championship trophy from ACC Commissioner John Swofford following the Tigers' victory over the Miami Hurricanes at Bank of America Stadium on December 2, 2017 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Mike Comer/Getty Images) /

2 of 8

CHARLOTTE, NC – DECEMBER 02: Clelin Ferrell #99 and Dexter Lawrence #90 of the Clemson Tigers embrace as they run to the sideline during the Tigers’ ACC Football Championship game against the Miami Hurricanes at Bank of America Stadium on December 2, 2017 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Mike Comer/Getty Images) /

Defensive Player of the Year: Dexter Lawrence, Clemson

It speaks to just how good Clemson’s defense will be this year that the two players at the top of the Defensive Player of the Year list are both at Swinney’s disposal. The scarier fact is that both Dexter Lawrence and Christian Wilkins will line up next to one another for the Tigers.

Truthfully, you can’t go wrong picking either player here. Wilkins was the superior player in 2017, but Lawrence was clearly limited by injury. He recently told local reporters that he was only playing at 50 percent last season after nerve issues in his leg. If that’s true, ACC offenses are in for an absolute nightmare in 2018.

Lawrence is no stranger to NFL scouts. He’s expected to be a first round selection when he elects to turn pro. Assuming he enjoys a relatively healthy season, expect him to forego his final year of collegiate eligibility and play his football on Sundays in 2019.

That gives him one more year to wreak havoc in the ACC. His unique combination of size and speed make him impossible to block on the inside. He possesses the size to stop the run from the defensive tackle spot and the agility to rush the passer from the edge. He’ll play inside for the Tigers this year but look for him to get to the quarterback often.

There’s a lot of defensive talent in the ACC this year, but no one has more talent than Lawrence. Look for him to have a massive season.