NEW ORLEANS – Authenticity is not easy to find, especially in today’s culture that is predicated on looking out for yourself no matter what happens.

The personality of the Clemson team in New Orleans has been the same as it has throughout the 2017 campaign: jovial, lighthearted, and fun.

During Sugar Bowl Media Day in the Superdome the differences between Alabama and Clemson was apparent in more ways than one.

Clemson defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence does not think Clemson does anything unorthodox or put on a front to get positive attention but that the Tigers are just their own genuine selves no matter the circumstances.

Lawrence has certainly enjoyed his time on the field as a Tiger with All-America honors the last two seasons as well as trips to the College Football Playoff make it easy to enjoy yourself.

The true sophomore has racked up 37 tackles, three tackles-for-loss and 2.5 sacks on the year despite being double teamed by nearly every opponent on the season.

While the Clemson players have good chemistry their personalities differ.

“The personalities are all different but we just clicked with each other and it’s all genuine it’s like family,” Lawrence said.

It is that family atmosphere that brought Lawrence and so many other players to Clemson. It is also a major reason why the program is in the College Football Playoff for the third consecutive season.

“We want this program to be the best we can be and that can’t happen being selfish,” said Lawrence.

Clemson players are enjoying their time in ‘the Big Easy’ for the Sugar Bowl but are gearing up for a battle in the Superdome Monday night.

“You have to be ready for that hard-nosed game and that physicality every snap because it’s coming.”