T.J. Parker, EDGE
Clemson's most lethal playmaker and biggest disruptor on the defensive side of the ball up front this season is standout sophomore edge rusher T.J. Parker. The 6-foot-3 and 265-pound high-level pass rusher and turnover machine for the Clemson front seven will matchup against the top offensive tackle in college football, junior left tackle Kelvin Banks Jr. for Texas.
Banks has been dealing with an ankle injury since the first half of the Texas A&M game on Nov. 30. The ankle injury Banks suffered in the first half against the Aggies in the Lone Star Showdown a few weeks ago caused him to miss the SEC Championship Game against Georgia in Atlanta two weekends ago.
Parker will test Banks' injured ankle this weekend.
He's one of the most productive and efficient edge rushers in college football this season. Parker leads the NCAA in fumbles forced (six) and ranks in the top three in the ACC in tackles for loss (19) and sacks (11).
In Clemson's past three games against FBS opponents, Parker has registered 23 combined tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss, six sacks, 21 quarterback pressures, one batted ball, three forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries.
Regardless if its trying to stop the run or rushing the passer, Parker can shed blocks with ease and chase down the ball-carrier/quarterback to generate negative and turnover plays for the Clemson defense. Parker's quickness and length coming off the edge gives him a consistent advantage to apply persistent pressure against opposing quarterbacks and running backs in the backfield.