Carter Names Under-the-Radar DE Who’s ‘Going to Be Special'

Playing on the second level of Clemson’s defense, senior linebacker Barrett Carter is very familiar with the personnel that lines up in front of him on the Tigers’ defensive front.

And if Carter had to pick one defensive lineman that not too many people know about right now – but will at the end of the upcoming season – Carter says that player flying under the radar is redshirt sophomore defensive end Jahiem Lawson.

“I’m going to go with my boy Jahiem Lawson. Yeah, Jahiem,” Carter said Thursday at the 2024 ACC Football Kickoff in Charlotte. “I could choose a bunch of guys to that question, but I would say Jahiem.”

Lawson – of course, the younger brother of former Clemson defensive end and 2016 NFL first-round pick Shaq Lawson – is entering his third year at Clemson.

Jahiem has posted only two tackles (one for loss) in 39 career snaps over five games as a Tiger thus far, though that’s been part of his development. His body has taken time to develop, but after arriving at Clemson in the summer of 2022 weighing less than 215 pounds, he is now listed at 6-foot-2, 240.

To go with that improved size, Lawson possesses strength, athleticism and savviness, not to mention a high motor and drive in terms of his work ethic.

“Natural pass-rusher, super strong, explosive, just has such a wide variety of moves he can use,” said Carter, a 2022 All-American and 2023 All-ACC selection. “So, I’d probably say Jahiem, because I’ve seen the work that he’s put in.”

Carter sees no shortage of potential in Lawson, a former all-state honoree at Daniel High School who was also a Shrine Bowl selection and North-South All-Star Game Defensive MVP.

Lawson was highly productive during his prep career, racking up 153 tackles (40 for loss), 25 sacks, six forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries, two pass breakups, two blocked kicks, an interception and two touchdowns.

Lawson showed off his skills in Clemson’s spring game this past April, when he blanketed a wheel route for an interception and also recorded a sack and two tackles for loss.

It’s been a two-year investment for Lawson as far as his development, but Clemson could have a big payoff with a breakout season from him on the edge.

“He’s going to be special,” Carter said