Clemson Tigers

Dexter Lawrence needs to be starting

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

foxsports

Despite being a true freshman, defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence is already making a major impact for Clemson and should be in the starting lineup.

Even without beastly freshman defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence in the starting lineup, the Clemson Tigers boast one of the nation’s most formidable defensive lines. With him in the starting lineup, they would boast the undisputed best and brightest defensive line.

Coming off of the bench in the first game and getting his first start in Clemson’s game against Troy, Lawrence has played like a man possessed in his first two collegiate games, serving as a constant threat in the Auburn backfield during the first game and making multiple big tackles against Troy.

Finishing with seven tackles and one sack versus Auburn, Lawrence definitely made a major impact and teamed up with fellow pass rushers to wreak havoc up front. Against Troy, Lawrence had seven tackles once again and assisted on six different tackles.

Dexter Lawrence makes his first start at defensive tackle today vs. Troy. #ALLIN pic.twitter.com/Y7F8W4Z07m

— Clemson Football (@ClemsonFB) September 10, 2016

Considering that Lawrence is a true freshman, it is understandable that head coach Dabo Swinney is biding his time before inserting him into the starting lineup, but this has happened before.

Rewind to right around two years ago. The most talented freshman quarterback in the country, Deshaun Watson, was waiting patiently for his chance to start, all the while waiting behind an inferior Cole Stoudt.

As a result, the Tigers started off the season 1-2, and both losses occurred with Stoudt starting under center (with Watson taking over during the second loss). Although the Clemson pass rush looked solid in the opening game, not having Lawrence in the starting lineup could prevent the D-line from reaching its full potential.

Lawrence is not only an NFL-caliber talent; in fact, he could likely play in the NFL right now. Recently speaking on his talented freshman defensive tackle, Swinney told the media, “He’s special, just a different guy. His mentality, his coachability, his maturity, his demeanor, he’s just a very selfless guy.”

At 6-5, 340 pounds, Lawrence is freakishly athletic for his size and is one of the most athletic players on the team. One of the few visible weaknesses for the Tigers thus far this season is that their starting front seven, for the most part, are not part particularly fast, which is something that