CLEMSON FOOTBALL

Scrimmage Insider: Defense making strides, players say Tyler Davis
Tyler Davis is impressing everyone in camp

Scrimmage Insider: Defense making strides, players say Tyler Davis "is a freak"


by - Senior Writer -

CLEMSON – The Clemson football team held a scrimmage Saturday, and early returns show both the offense and defense holding their own. And then there’s freshman defensive tackle Tyler Davis, who is in a category of his own.

Clemson held its first media availability since the scrimmage, and the players said the young defensive line is making strides.

“It was good. I felt like the offense had a good showing,” center Sean Pollard said. “It's nice because we can come out every day and see the defense improving. It was fun during the scrimmage to go against them. It was some really great competition.”

Who stood out?

“Tyler Davis is a baller. The dude is good,” Pollard said. “He knows how to handle his body, and he's really good with his hands. Logan Cash is really good with his hands, especially when he gets moved inside. All of the freshmen are doing really well. Xavier (Thomas) jumps out. Justin (Foster) and KJ (Henry) all jump out, but Tyler Davis is a baller.

“I think a majority of the first-team defense had a good scrimmage. I think X (Thomas) had a good scrimmage and so did Tyler.”

Safety K’Von Wallace said the young defenders were on the attack.

“A lot of young guys showed what they could do,” Wallace said. “It showed who our leaders are and a lot of young guys went on the attack, showing what they can do. This is a special team in the making, but we are still special and still have leaders and still have some ballers up front so it is going to be a great season.

KJ Henry (stood out). Justin (Foster), a guy that hasn't had much of a chance is going out there and balling. Justin Mascoll. Darnell (Jefferies) and a lot of young guys are going out there and competing and showing what they can do.”

Right guard Gage Cervenka said the offense has work to do.

“It went pretty well. It was like 50-50 on offense and defense,” Cervenka said. “We did a lot of things well but there a lot of things we need to improve on. We are inconsistent in certain areas and very good on the 50-50 balls and long balls, and I think we kind of dominated in that. But on the short stuff, we need to be more consistent.”

Like Pollard, Cervenka is impressed by the young defensive line.

“They are actually very good. The freshmen coming in, they're strong and it seems like they've picked up the play calls pretty quick, which is definitely nice to see,” Cervenka said. “That was a big question coming in. Right now, I am not really worried about them. They still have a lot to learn, but it's early. I think they have done very well so far.”

Which player impressed Cervenka? Tyler Davis.

“Tyler did, definitely. He is a freak. There is something about him,” Cervenka said. “You can tell he loves the game. He came in, and he already knows what's going on. There is something different about him. We call him Baby Dex because he looks like a Baby Dex (Dexter Lawrence), a little bit smaller. He is strong, and he is going to be a great player.”

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