When the term “most important” is given when describing a ranking of one player over another, it does not necessarily describe who the best players are on a team. Instead, it tells us the main or most important part of the team, without which it cannot really exist.

In other words, could Clemson have reached the College Football Playoff Championship Game last year without Deshaun Watson? And would they have had him there had those other “important” players had not been in place either.

Who are Clemson’s “Most Important Players” for 2016? We at The Clemson Insider have our own idea, and today we reveal who is No. 23.

Dexter Lawrence

Carlos Watkins describes freshman Dexter Lawrence as a “Man Child.” A five-star talent from Wake Forest High School in Wake Forest, N.C., Lawrence is one of the highest rated recruits to come to Clemson. He was a First-Team All-American and was the No. 2 overall player in the country by Rivals.

“I have never seen anyone like him before. He is big, strong and he stays cool. The offensive line can’t handle him,” Watkins said.

During his senior year in high school, which was just a few months ago, Lawrence tallied 91 tackles, including 21 tackles for loss and 13 sacks. He also had 16 quarterback hurries. Watkins says Lawrence is capable of playing now. The senior defensive tackle says Lawrence just has to take a few simple steps and work on a few of the little things and he will be, perhaps, the best defensive tackle Clemson has ever had.

At 6-foot-5, 340 pounds, Lawrence was the talk of spring practice. He even jumped up and intercepted a Deshaun Watson pass in a scrimmage and returned it 32 yards.

“He is 17 years old and bench presses like 430 pounds, and power cleans like 360. I have never seen anyone like him. No offensive lineman can move him. He does what he wants to do. When he gets it all together, he’ll be unstoppable,” Watkins said.