Slew of Tigers Ranked among CFB's Top Players Entering '24 Season

Entering the 2024 season, a slew of Clemson standouts were recognized among the best players in college football by this national outlet.

CBS Sports ranked the top 151 college football players ahead of the upcoming campaign. The list, which features seven Tigers, was put together by Blake Brockermeyer — the former All-American offensive lineman at Texas and first-round pick of the Carolina Panthers in the 1995 NFL Draft.

The highest-ranked Tiger is star senior linebacker and 2024 preseason All-American Barrett Carter at No. 24 overall.

“A versatile three-down ‘backer who likes to play in the opponent’s backfield, Barrett is an explosive and high-ceiling talent who has enormous potential and upside as a former 5-star recruit,” Brockermeyer wrote. “A converted high school safety prospect, Carter has the ability to match up vs. tight ends and backs in coverage and did not allow a touchdown last season. He missed too many tackles, 12, last season in the box and can do a better job of finishing in the run game. Cleaning that up is likely a big reason he returned for his senior season. Jeremiah Trotter Jr. is gone, now it’s Carter’s turn to be the star of Clemon’s defense.”

A pair of Clemson defensive linemen coming off freshman All-American campaigns in 2023 – Peter Woods and T.J. Parker – are ranked No. 76 and No. 78 on the list, respectively.

“Did a nice job his freshman season getting his feet wet but is expected to make the jump with Tyler Davis and Ruke Orhorhoro off to the league,” Brockermeyer wrote of Woods. “Woods is excellent in both phases and plays with excellent hand placement with the ability to shock and shed opponents and take on doubles.”

Added Brockermeyer of Parker: “A top-50 recruit, Parker flashed on film as a freshman and delivered in the stat sheet, generating 5.5 sacks and 37 pressures.  Parker wins with an explosive first step and has the power to work through tackles and finish at the quarterback. He’s solid against the run, too.”

Another Clemson defensive lineman, veteran defensive tackle DeMonte Capehart, checked in at No. 98 after emerging down the stretch in 2023 as one of the Tigers’ most physical and most destructive interior linemen.

“He has limited snaps through his career behind some stout tackles, but the former high-level recruit flashed raw skills last season,” Brockermeyer wrote. “Capehart has a big frame and flashes excellent power. He can crush the pocket inside as well as hold up vs. doubles in the run game. He will need to take the next step this season and if he does, Clemson is going to have a scary-good defensive front.”

Offensively, the highest-ranked Clemson player on CBS Sports’ list is punishing, senior workhorse running back Phil Mafah (No. 109).

“Will Shipley left early for the NFL Draft, but Clemson truthers will tell you the best running back from last season’s tandem — Mafah — is sticking around,” Brockermeyer wrote. “The Georgia native had a breakout season punishing ACC defenders with his physical and explosive running style (Notre Dame got it, too, as Mafah steamrolled for 186 yards and two touchdowns on an absurd 36 carries). Mafah is an excellent all-around back in protection and the passing game as well.”

Rounding out the Clemson players in CBS Sports’ ranking are key contributors on each side of the ball in sophomore safety Khalil Barnes (No. 116) and junior offensive tackle Blake Miller (No. 138).

“A True Freshman All-American is primed to have a huge season after forcing three fumbles and tallying three interceptions in seven starts last year,” Brockermeyer wrote of Barnes. “Barnes finished the season strong as his reps increased as a force on the back end in both phases. He’s likely to become a big name this fall.

“A rising junior, Miller is a two-year starter at right tackle and is one of the most dominant run blockers in the nation but struggles in pass protection at times. Plays with a nasty streak and strong hands and base at the point. If he can clean up his pass sets, he has the ability to be really good.”

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