Best Clemson defensive ends: Da’Quan Bowers, Vic Beasley shone in Death Valley | Plus: T.J. Parker leads 2025 Tigers DEs season preview

Written by Staff Report | July 30, 2025 | 8:13 PM

Jeff Bryant was a wrecking-ball on the 1981 national championship team with 19 tackles for loss and might have been overlooked on a defense filled with stars. He established the tone for the best Clemson defensive ends of the modern era.

Trevor Pryce played only one season with the program (and they say Clemson doesn’t take transfers!), but he made a big impact, which led to a pro career.

And then the position really became a focus with the play of Gaines Adams, who turned things over to Da’Quan Bowers, who turned things over to Vic Beasley, who turned things over to Shaq Lawson.

The most recent championships showcased a dominant defensive line, which featured Clelin Ferrell and Austin Bryant. And in their wake, Myles Murphy was a first-round draft pick even without gaudy sack totals.

Statistics: Who are the best-ever Clemson defensive ends?

Vic Beasley (2011-14) – First-team all-american, first-round draft pick, Career Sacks Leader (33), 52.5 tackles for loss (TFL)
Clelin Ferrell (2016-18) – First-team all-american, first-round draft pick, 27 sacks
Austin Bryant (2015-18) – First-team all-american, 153 tackles, 35 TFL, 20.0 sacks, 32 QB pressures
Da’Quan Bowers (2008-10) – First-team all-american, 179 tackles, 47 QB pressures, six PBU, Record nine straight games involved in a sack, 19.5 sacks for career
Gaines Adams (2003-06) – First-team all-american, first-round draft pick, 28 sacks, 168 tackles, 44.5 TFL
Jeff Bryant (1978-81) – First-round draft pick, 19 TFL for 1981 title team
Shaq Lawson (2013-15) – First-team all-american, first-round draft pick, 167 tackles, 46.5 TFL, 20 sacks, 29 QB pressures
Trevor Pryce (1996) – First-round draft pick, 20 TFL, 7.5 sacks in lone season at Clemson
Myles Murphy (2019-21) – First-round draft pick, 139 tackles, 37 TFL, 17.5 sacks, six forced fumbles, 6 PBU

Who are your favorites? Tell us in the comments at YouTube.com/ClemsonKickoff, and find us on social media @ClemsonKickoff!

2025 Clemson Football Season Previews with Best-All-Time Tigers by Position

Each podcast episode covers both the season preview and the best all-time Clemson Tigers at each position, while each blogs is shorter and only covers either the best ever or the 2025 preview. Here are all the links you could need!

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Best Clemson defensive ends: Da’Quan Bowers, Vic Beasley shone in Death Valley | Plus: T.J. Parker leads 2025 Tigers DEs season preview

Statistics: Who are the best-ever Clemson defensive ends?

2025 Clemson Football Season Previews with Best-All-Time Tigers by Position

Clemson Defensive Tackles

Clemson Defensive Ends

Clemson Linebackers

Clemson Safeties

Clemson Cornerbacks

Clemson Wide Receivers

Clemson Tight Ends

Clemson Offensive Line

Clemson Running Backs

Clemson Quarterbacks