Before the 2016 even started for Clemson they took a major blow on the defensive line. Sophomore defensive end, Austin Bryant broke his right foot before the season began. Initially this seemed like an issue, however, the Tigers defensive line played great in Bryant’s absence. Christian Wilkins played a large part in the defensive lines success.
Defensive coordinator Brent Venables decided to move Wilkins from his normal defensive tackle spot over to defensive end. The move proved to be pure genius on Venables part. By moving Christian Wilkins to defensive end, that allowed freshman defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence to play inside beside Carlos Watkins.