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Is Dexter Lawrence the most dominant defensive player Alabama has faced?
By Clint Lamb
Published:
Dexter Lawrence has been a force defensively for Clemson. Since he stepped on campus nearly two years ago, Lawrence repeatedly has shown why he was the No. 2 overall prospect in the 2016 recruiting class.
At 6-4, 340 pounds, Lawrence is one of the most physically impressive players in all of college football. Despite his weight, he only carries 18 percent body fat.
He combines that size and strength with impressive movement too. In fact, one NFL scout told Bleacher Report’s Adam Kramer that Lawrence has the potential to be the next Ndamukong Suh at the next level.
With that sort of praise, it’s no surprise that Lawrence is considered one of the best defensive players that Alabama is going to have played against this season. Is he the most dominant?
Alabama has faced off against some quality defensive talent this season.
Florida State’s Derwin James is a specimen in his own right — a 6-3, 215-pound safety with elite athleticism and the ability to play anywhere from a single-high safety to an edge rusher. James is just outside of the top 10 (No. 11) according to Bleacher Report’s draft expert Matt Miller.
You also have LSU’s Arden Key, whom Alabama had to scheme against in Week 10. At one point, the edge rusher was considered to be a lock for the top 3 in the 2018 NFL Draft. An early season shoulder injury caused a slow start, but Key finished with eight tackles and half a sack against the Tide.
Only two weeks later, Alabama rolled into Jordan-Hare Stadium and was forced to take on Jeff Holland, who is tied at 14th in the country in sacks with nine. Holland didn’t register any sacks against the Tide, but he did have three QB hurries.
All of those players are excellent. It’s possible that all three will be making an impact on Sundays as early as next season.
None of them are Dexter Lawrence, however.
Clemson’s defensive line is filled with future NFL talent. Clellin Ferrell, Christian Wilkins and Austin Bryant are all considered top draft prospects. And yet, Lawrence continues to stand out.
It’s tough to scheme against him because he does such an excellent job eliminating opponents success running between the tackles — Clemson is No. 12 in the nation against the run (112.85 yards per game).
Lawrence can also make an impact getting after the quarterback. His 2.5 sacks on the year may not seem like much, but he also contributed 6.5 as a true freshman in 2016 — good for second on the team.
The sophomore is going to command attention — and he’s going to cause trouble regardless.
The interior members of Alabama’s offensive line are going to have their hands full trying to contain him. The good news is that starting left guard Ross Pierschbacher — who has been dealing with an ankle injury — should be back to 100 percent.
Clemson’s defensive line going against Alabama’s offensive line could be the determining factor in who comes out on top in this game, and the big man wearing No. 90 is going to play a huge role in that.
Clint helps cover the SEC West for Saturday Down South. His work can also be found on USA TODAY Sports, The 'Bama Beat podcast and The Bullpen with TonyMac and The Lamb. Previous stops include SEC Country, 247Sports and Touchdown Alabama Magazine.
