CLEMSON — In a year of ups and downs for Clemson’s defense, defensive end T.J. Parker has been a consistent playmaker for the 12th-seeded Tigers.

In his freshman year in 2023, Parker contributed 5.5 sacks, tying senior linebacker Jeremiah Trotter for the team lead. One season later, Parker has already recorded 11 sacks in his sophomore year, which leads the Tigers and ranks third in the ACC.

Additionally, Parker has forced six fumbles this year, breaking a Clemson record. His success earned Parker All-ACC second-team honors from both the conference and the Associated Press.

“We do a turnover circuit before every practice. Taking that seriously has really really helped [Parker],” defensive tackle Peter Woods said.  

Clemson (10-3) is currently ranked third in the country in turnover margin, largely due to Parker’s performances. This is a drastic improvement from last season when the Tigers lost the turnover margin in five of their first seven games.

The Tigers have been even or better in that category than their opponent in each of the last 12 games this season. Woods believes the pre-practice turnover circuit is crucial to his improvement and Parker’s success.

“That’s something that we continue to do and will continue to do because it’s starting to pay dividends for us,” he said.

Defensive coordinator Wes Goodwin credits Parker’s success to his deliberate discipline in several areas, including his mindset and “manner.”

“[Parker] has an unbelievable work ethic, business-like manner. He shows up every day with the right mindset,” Goodwin said. “He’s really in tune to his diet. Off the field, how he works out, film study, and all his hard work is paying off.”

In his third year at the helm of the Tigers’ defense, Goodwin has emphasized the importance of having “pocket awareness,” or knowing where a quarterback is in the pocket. He believes that Parker has taken this skill and turned it to instant success at a “high level.”

Goodwin, Parker, and the Tigers have their work cut out for them this week as they take on No. 5 Texas in the first round of the CFP. Texas is ranked in the top 20 in passing offense and overall offense heading into the game. 

Parker’s skills will be needed Saturday when the Tigers head to Austin, Texas to take on the Longhorns. Kickoff is slated for 4 p.m., and coverage will be shown on TNT.