Best-ever Clemson defensive tackles include Dexter Lawrence, Christian Wilkins. Plus: Peter Woods leads Tigers DTs season preview for 2025

Clemson has a long history of strong play by its best defensive tackles -– and there are many in those ranks -– from Archie Reese and Jim Stuckey to the Bruise Brothers (William Perry and William DeVane) to the terrific recent run of Christian Wilkins and Dexter Lawrence and Bryan Bresee. The middle of the Clemson defensive front during the modern era has been stout and talented, and they have carried that over to the next level too.

Michael Dean Perry might not be as famous as his older brother, but he had an outstanding career at Clemson and in the NFL – and outdid big bro’s numbers for their days as Tigers. Grady Jarrett might have been undersized and under-recruited, but was a star at Clemson and has been even more outstanding in the NFL. And don’t forget Chester McGlockton and Brentson Buckner. 

The anchor of the Clemson defense has long been those defensive tackles.

For his junior season in 2025, Peter Woods returns to the interior of the defensive line in hopes of someday joining that list of greats. For more about the 2025 Clemson defensive tackles room, including Demonte Capehart, Vic Burley and Amare Adams, be sure to watch the podcast above. 

Statistics: Who are the best Clemson defensive tackles?

• Rob Bodine (1989-91) -– First-team All-American, 48 TFL (led nation with 27 as a senior in 1991).
• Bryan Bresee (2020-22) –- First-round NFL draft pick, 15 TFL, 9 sacks.
• Grady Jarrett (2011-14) -– 207 tackles, 29.5 TFL, 5.5 sacks, 37 QB pressures, one PBU, two caused fumbles, four recovered fumbles, 1,642 snaps.Chester McGlockton (1988-91) -- First-round NFL draft pick, 20.5 sacks.
• Dexter Lawrence (2016-18) –- First-team All-American, first-round NFL draft pick, 162 tackles, 20 TFL, 11 sacks, 43 QB pressures.
• William Perry (1981-84) –-  First-round NFL draft pick, 25 sacks, 60 tackles for loss (TFL).
• Michael Dean Perry (1984-87) -– First-team All-American, career TFL leader (61), 28 sacks.
• Jim Stuckey (1976-79) –- First-round NFL draft pick, 18 sacks, 314 tackles.
• Carlos Watkins (2012, 14-16) -– 191 tackles, 26 TFL, 14 sacks, 1 INT, 7 PBU.
• Christian Wilkins (2015-18) –- First-team All-American, first-round NFL draft pick, career Snaps by DL leader (2,441), career PBU by DL leader (16), 250 tackles, 41 TFL, 16 sacks, 56 QB pressures.

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