Grady Jarrett

While edge rusher Vic Beasley has garnered most of the national attention, the Tigers' most productive defensive lineman over the past three years has been Jarrett, a three-time All-ACC selection. Built like a fire hydrant but one of the more active defensive tackles in the country, Jarrett was named the co-Defensive Player of the Year by Clemson coaches following the 2012 season (his first as a starter) in which he recorded 49 tackles, including 8.5 for loss and two sacks. Jarrett exploded in 2013 for an eye-popping 83 tackles, 11 tackles for loss and another two sacks a year later, but saw his production slip in 2014 (41/6.5/1.5 through the regular season) as opponents focused more attention to him and Clemson rotated its defensive linemen more frequently. Jarrett's short, stubby frame likely limits him to a complementary role in a 4-3 alignment. He has the quickness and natural leverage advantage to penetrate the line of scrimmage and is both instinctive and tenacious. He can get overpowered in the running game, however, and is more of a pest than productive against the pass.

obvious size limitations, which includes relatively short arms. reliant upon his quickness and leverage to slip by would-be blockers but is too often overwhelmed by their sheer size advantage.

Generates some explosiveness when he runs into ballcarriers, but his lack of ideal length limits his ability to grab hold of opponents and pull them to the ground. A try-hard pass rusher but rarely gets home and is too short to deflect passes (only one in 37 career starts). Used in a heavy rotation at Clemson and was surrounded by great speed.

strengths

Possesses a short, squatty frame that gives him a natural leverage advantage. Shaped like a cannon ball and appropriately for the comparison, Jarrett explodes out of his stance. His quickness makes him a threat to penetrate gaps immediately.

high school shot put champion (50'6"). durable. dating back to his high school days, jarrett has never missed a game due to injury.

WEAKNESSES

very strong. can knock bigger blockers back with his initial shove and generates impressive momentum as a tackler. displays good flexibility when asked to stay low and drive his blocker off the line, and gets good extension off the snap, along with consistent inside hand placement to control his opponent.

Quick, light feet that enable him to stop, start and redirect with above-average suddenness for his size, which gives him "plus" range to either side despite lacking great length. Very good awareness for draws and screens, frequently peeling off blocks to wrap up backs. Pursues laterally and downfield with passion.

Played in the North-South All-Star game in Georgia and Florida Maxx Scout All-Star Bowl; in the two games combined, he had 17 tackles, seven tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks and three caused fumbles

two-time all-state selection at Rockdale County High School

No. 41 defensive tackle in the nation by Scout.com

three-time all-regional selection on defense and second-team all-region on offense as a senior

three-time selection as the team’s top defensive player

four-year starter on both sides of the ball

had 101 tackles, 31.5 tackles for loss and nine sacks as a senior

had 198 tackles, 63 tackles for loss and 27.5 sacks over his last two years

member of the school’s wrestling team; was fourth in the state as a junior; won the state heavyweight title as a senior

won the state title in the shotput as a senior

Rockdale County High School Athlete-of-the-Year as a senior

honored by the Superintendent Office and the County Board of Commissioners

coached by Michael Ethridge at Rockdale County High

recruited by Dan Brooks and Kevin Steele.

Graduated Dec. 18, 2014 with a degree in management

born April 28, 1993.