Jordan McFadden discusses competing against dominant defense in practice

Clemson star offensive tackle Jordan McFadden has the pleasure of facing one of the nation’s best defensive lines in practice everyday this offseason. Despite the headache they tend cause him on a daily basis, McFadden had nothing but great things to say about his teammates on the other side of the football.

“Those battles can be a lot of fun, and also they can not be a lot of fun at times, but that defensive line is special,” McFadden said. “They’re so deep. There are guys at every position, multiple guys at every position.”

“Honestly, that makes the offensive line better. That makes me better competing against the best guys in the country day in and day out. I’m excited to watch that group. I’m excited to see how they go out this season and handle business. I genuinely think they’ll be the best defensive line in the country. I’m excited to watch it.”

As an offensive tackle, McFadden typically deals with defensive ends, outside linebackers and any other defender looking to attack the edge of the offensive line. During practice, McFadden and the other Clemson tackles are forced to take on future NFL talent in the form of Myles Murphy, Xavier Thomas and KJ Henry.

Murphy, a former Five Star Plus+ defensive end and expected first-rounder, has compiled 75 total tackles 11 sacks and four forced fumbles through 22 total games spanning two seasons. Thomas finished this past season with 27 tackles and a third-team All-ACC selection, but still has potential of being a NFL talent, while Henry played in 13 games this season, where he had 20 tackles, also setting career highs with 6.5 tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks.

Murphy, Thomas, Henry and the Tigers are poised to have one of the most explosive defensive lines in the country, let alone the ACC. With Clemson expected to return to the College Football Playoff picture this season, Henry and the rest of the D-line will be expected to anchor their defensive efforts under first year defensive coordinator Wes Goodwin.

If you don’t believe so, just ask one of the top offensive tackles in the country.