The expectations were high for Clemson’s defensive tackles coming into 2023, and it would be near impossible to reach that mark. Still, the Tigers’ defensive anchors lived up to the hype.

Veterans Tyler Davis and Ruke Orhorhoro led the way as expected and the former had a consecutive first-team All-ACC season. 34 tackles and 3.5 for loss was his final mark, but he was doing all the dirty work.

The highest graded run stopper on the team according to Pro Football Focus, Davis had 15 stops that resulted in a failure for the opposing offense. Keep in mind he was often doubled this season. Orhorhoro had 12 stops of his own and earned a third-team All-ACC selection. You could make the case he deserved better.

When I mentioned expectations, the most may have been directed towards freshman Peter Woods. He was a phenom in Year 1 and Clemson’s highest graded player on PFF. 20 run stops and 20 quarterback pressures on the season, he was the definition of a game-wrecker. Just imagine what he’ll do after another full offseason.

DeMonte Capehart was the unsung hero of the group, and he came on late. He ended up leading the unit with five tackles for loss and added 12 pressures. It might not show up in the numbers, but the tape of him burying offensive lineman was almost laughable every game. Capehart is a monster.

All this goes to say Nick Eason is a maestro and the talent development should continue into the future. The defensive tackles earn easily the highest grade yet as the catalyst of Clemson’s No. 8 total defense.

Final DT Grade: A