At the conclusion of Clemson football’s 2017-2018 season, perhaps the biggest speculation going forward for the Tigers was the possibility of Clelin Ferrell, Austin Bryant, and Christian Wilkins all entering the 2018 NFL Draft. Fortunately for Clemson, the trio decided to return for one more season with a National Championship in sight.

There is no doubt the Tigers will reside among the nation’s best defensive lines with Ferrell, Bryant and Wilkins all returning next season, but the unit’s depth goes beyond those three. Looking beyond the in-house depth the Tigers already have, Clemson brought in four- and five-star recruits like Xavier Thomas, Josh Belk, K.J. Henry and Darnell Jefferies, who all experienced their first practice with the Tigers on Wednesday.

“I was really impressed with those guys man,” Ferrell said. “They had a great first day. The energy, the effort wasn’t a question and that’s one of the biggest things with a young guy. You don’t know if he is going to play hard or not. That was great to see from them. They had a great first day and hopefully we can carry that into Friday.”

Ferrell shared a comical, yet reassuring story for Clemson fans curious about the recruits’ eagerness and willingness to learn.

“Josh Belk, the first meeting we had, our team meeting, the boy was so ready for practice that he had his helmet, his knee braces, his mouth piece, everything in the team meeting. He was so ready. He was ready to go,” Ferrell laughed.

Having experienced being the younger guy, Ferrell understands the importance of having a mentor to learn from and observe. That’s helped him become the leader he is today, and he loves it.

“I love it,” Ferrell said. “It kind of comes naturally now that I have been in the system for a minute. Like you said, I was a young guy for my first year playing, but to be here and just to have the opportunity to help the guys that come underneath me it huge. I love it.”