Tigers defensive tackle exits game with shoulder injury

Clemson defensive tackle Bryan Bresee headed to the medical tent Saturday night in Charlotte tending to a right shoulder injury. The sophomore was the ACC Defensive Rookie of the Year and is expected to be a huge part of the Tigers defensive plans this season.

With the Tigers other defensive tackle Tyler Davis out, Bresee is playing a huge role in the Clemson front seven in slowing down Georgia’s running game. The Bulldogs have a stable of running backs, including Zamir White, Kendall Milton and James Cook. 

Bresee reentered the game early in the second quarter.

A five-star recruit and the top-ranked player in the 2020 recruiting class, Bresee saw action in all 11 of the Tigers’ games in his first campaign in Clemson. But Clemson’s defensive unit struggled in the CFP semifinals, allowing the Buckeyes to finish with 639 total yards. Now in the midst of spring ball, Bresee is working closely to improve his technique and make adjustments for his second season.

By the end of the last season, Clemson listed Bresee at starting defensive tackle in its 4-3 defense. The 6-foot-5, 300-pounder has drawn comparisons to former Tiger Christian Wilkins, who was drafted 13th overall in the 2019 draft by the Miami Dolphins.

Bresee is bigger, stronger, faster and meaner. He terrorized Clemson’s offense throughout the spring and during fall camp. Beginning Saturday, he’ll be someone else’s problem.

“A guy like Bryan Bresee is only getting better,” senior offensive lineman Matt Bockhorst said. “I mean good God, he’s going to be a nightmare.”

Bresee had his way with high school offensive linemen, recording 80.5 tackles for loss and 35 sacks in his incredible high school career. Expectations are that he’ll become a dominant force in college as well.

Bresee defensive tackle partner out against Bulldogs

Clemson defensive tackle Tyler Davis is out against Georgia due to COVID-19 protocol. 

The loss of Davis is a big one for Clemson as he started seven games last season, finishing with five tackles for loss and a pair of sacks. Davis and Bresee are expected to be one of the top defensive tackle tandems in the country this year.