Clelin Ferrell

... It isn't often that a redshirt sophomore captures the attention of NFL scouts but then again, Ferrell is hardly your typical player. Consider that he was one of a handful of prospects across the country to earn an invitation to the prestigious Under Armour All-American game at the end of his senior season in high school. Not impressed? Well, take into account that Ferrell had missed the entire year with a right knee injury and yet still was invited - though he did not play on account of the injury. Ferrell's knee injury (a torn ACL) did not keep Clemson defensive coordinator Brent Venables from personally recruiting him, though the injury (and talent ahead of him on the depth chart) may have played a role in the decision to redshirt the Virginia native in 2015. Ferrell did not look any worse for the wear a year later, helping Clemson fans forget about the production lost with Shaq Lawson and Kevin Dodd heading to the NFL by starting all 15 games and sharing Co-Defensive Rookie of the Year honors with fellow defensive lineman (and future first round pick) Dexter Lawrence. Ferrell registered 50 tackles, including 12.5 for loss and six sacks to go along with a team-high 24 quarterback hurries and developed a well-earned reputation for performing his best under the bright lights, recording 10 tackles and two sacks of eventual Heisman Trophy winner Lamar Jackson from Louisville, two tackles for loss, a sack and a pass broken up in Clemson's big win over Florida State, two tackles for loss and a sack against Virginia Tech in the ACC Championship game and was named the Defensive MVP in Clemson's 31-0 shellacking of Ohio State with three tackles for loss, including a sack. Unfortunately for Ferrell, his redshirt freshman season did not end quite as gloriously as it did for the rest of his teammates. While he certainly played a key role in Clemson's thrilling victory over Alabama in the National Championship Game - recording two quarterback pressures and a tackle for loss - he suffered an ankle injury early on and was limited to just 36 snaps. Just as Clemson fans (and NFL scouts) had hoped, Ferrell returned better than ever in 2017, starting all 13 games of the regular season and establishing career-highs during that time with 61 tackles, including a team-high 17 tackles for loss, 8.5 sacks and 12 quarterback pressures, as well as two forced fumbles. He earned First Team All-ACC honors by league coaches and media for the performance and was twice named the ACC Defensive Lineman of the Week (Syracuse, North Carolina State). The fact that Clemson boasts so much talent along its defensive line makes it difficult to grade each prospect individually as opponents cannot simply assign double-teams the way they might against other, mere mortal groups. The traits Ferrell possesses, however - burst, length, power and instincts - are easy to identify and project to the next level, especially given that his production has come at right defensive end (against left tackles) and regardless of whether he started the play out of the two or three point stance. Now three years removed from the torn ACL with two impressive seasons as a starter on tape and still just 20 years old, Ferrell looks like one of the cleaner edge rushers eligible for the 2018 NFL draft and a shoo-in first round selection should he opt to leave early. BACKGROUND Signed as a highly regarded prep prospect despite missing his senior season due to a torn ACL. Nevertheless, Ferrell was rated among the top 10 prep defensive ends in the country and was picked to play in the Under Armour All-America game, though he opted not to play due to the injury. Recorded 60 tackles, 26 tackles for loss and 11.5 sacks as a junior ... all-state selection as a junior ... ... joined Chad Smith as first Tiger signees from Virginia since Tajh Boyd (2009) ... played two years of basketball in high school.

in our view

There may be edge rushers drafted in 2018 with a quicker initial get-off, closing speed or even production but few possess Ferrell's combination of size, burst, strength, instincts and technique. Perhaps best yet, at just 20-years old, Ferrell's best football still should be ahead of him.

strengths

Built like he was cut from a mold for an NFL defensive end with broad shoulders, disproportionately long arms and well-developed musculature, including a thick lower half. Experienced rushing out of the two-point (stand-up) and three point stance, showing good initial quickness off the snap with flashes of explosiveness to cross the face of left tackles on a speed rush, alone. Good balance and flexibility to dip under the reach of would-be pass blockers and incorporates his hands into the rush, slapping away at tackles' reach and showing a very effective up-under rip move to complement his speed. Generates impressive power as a bull rusher, pushing opponents onto their heels with his arms locked out and showing very good leg drive. Coordinated athlete when stalking the ball-carrier, showing enough speed and agility to flush and finish. Only has three passes broken up but shows good awareness of passing lanes and backs slipping behind, selling out with his leaps and, at times, twirling in the air in an effort to bat passes away. Also very effective against the run for a player with his relative inexperience. Understands his containment responsibility and does not rush upfield blindly. Very effective use of his long arms and strong hands to stack and shed at the point of attack, showing impressive technique to attack half the blocker, including when splitting double-teams. Reliable open-field tackler, using his length and strength to grab and pull down ball-carriers, typically wrapping both arms for the secure stop. Intriguing physical upside, especially given that won't turn 21 until a week after the 2018 NFL Draft. - Rob Rang 12/9/2017

compares to

Hall of Famer Chris Doleman, Vikings/Falcons/49ers. Just as Doleman was when initially drafted in the first round by Minnesota back in 1985, Ferrin will be projected by some as an outside linebacker. Also like the 6-5, 270 pound Doleman, Ferrin will ultimately grow into a defensive end role if he is not initially drafted to play it. Both players could win with speed but it was their power, use of hands and instincts which ultimately resulted in most of their success - which Doleman certainly had, as his eight Pro Bowl seasons and 150.5 career sacks (4th in league history at the time of his retirement) can attest.

weaknesses

May be a better football player than athlete, lacking the elite quick-twitch burst to consistently win with his speed rush. Shows normal but not extraordinary acceleration to close or when pursuing from the backside and may not run an impressive 40-yard dash, raising questions about his potential fit as a stand-up linebacker who may be asked to drop into coverage more than just occasionally. Does not always pursue downfield with the reckless abandon coaches would prefer. Needs to do a better job of targeting the ball when going for sacks with only two forced fumbles in 28 career starts. -- Rob Rang 12/9/2017

Attended Benedictine College Preparatory No. 115 player and No. 7 defensive end in the nation and No. 5 player in Virginia by 247Sports.com

No. 135 player and No. 6 defensive end in the nation and No. 5 player in Virginia by Rivals.com

No. 136 player in the nation and No. 5 player in Virginia by ESPN

No. 196 player in the nation by Scout.com

joined Chad Smith as first Tiger signees from Virginia since Tajh Boyd (2009)

Under Armour All-America Game selection, but did not play due to injury

did not play as a senior due to a torn ACL

had 60 tackles, 26 tackles for loss and 11.5 sacks as a junior

all-state selection as a junior

played two years of basketball

coached by Greg Lilly

recruited by Marion Hobby and Brent Venables.

Majoring in sports communication

born May 17, 1997.

2018

fumbles
REC	LOST	FUM
1.0	0.0	0.0

defensive
TFL	QB HUR	TOT	TD	PD	SACKS	SOLO
18.5	9.0	51.0	0.0	2.0	11.5	27.0

2017

defensive
TFL	QB HUR	TOT	TD	PD	SACKS	SOLO
18.0	7.0	66.0	0.0	1.0	9.5	33.0

2016

defensive
TFL	QB HUR	TOT	TD	PD	SACKS	SOLO
12.5	9.0	44.0	0.0	2.0	6.0	21.0