Clemson's top 10 defensive end commits in Rivals.com era

MORE: Video analysis: Jordan Williams to Clemson ($) | FSU's top 10 RB commits

With the commitment of defensive end Jordan Williams, the nation’s No. 156 player, to Clemson we thought it would be interesting to see where he stands among the best at the position to commit to the Tigers in Rivals.com history.

Important Note: First-round draft pick Shaq Lawson was ranked as a four-star outside the Rivals250 in 2012 but was the No. 1 prep player in the nation in 2013. However, since this is a list for high school prospects only, he doesn’t make the cut.

Mark Pszonak contributed to this report.

The skinny: Unlike most other top-level recruits, Bowers decided to end his recruiting process extremely early with a commitment to Clemson 13 months before enrolling early during the spring of 2008. After flashing signs of excellence during his freshman and sophomore seasons, Bowers took his game to an entirely new level in 2010, when he totaled 26 tackles for a loss and 15.5 sacks, which both led the country. However, due to injury concerns, Bowers slipped to the second round of the 2011 NFL Draft. Injuries continued to haunt Bowers during his five seasons with the Buccaneers, where he only totaled 69 tackles and seven sacks. He is currently an unsigned free agent.

Farrell’s take: Bowers was a special talent coming out of high school, the kind of end who could rock you with power or beat you with speed. His ranking shot up at the end of the process when he absolutely dominated at Under Armour All-America Week; his combination of size, power and quickness was lethal. It’s no surprise he had a breakout year in college, but the injuries are a shame because this kid has one of the highest ceilings you can find.

The skinny: Despite offers from many of the top programs in the country, Sapp decided to end his process relatively early with a commitment in June prior to his senior season. Despite rumors swirling around him that he may flip to Florida State, Sapp did stay true to his word and signed with the Tigers. Sapp had a productive four seasons in Death Valley, saving his best for last as he totaled 55 tackles and 14 tackles for a loss in 2009. After being selected by Philadelphia in the fifth round during the 2010 draft, Sapp bounced around between the Eagles, New York Jets, Houston and Washington during the next five years. He is still an unsigned free agent after being waived by the Redskins last summer.

Farrell’s take: Sapp was my guy, a skinny pass rusher I pushed hard for five-star status. And while he didn’t have a five-star career and has bounced around the NFL, I could still watch his high school film over and over again. He came off the edge so quickly, changed direction like a running back and was in constant pursuit. Oh, and the infamous “Ricky Sapp to FSU” comments on the Clemson board never get old!

The skinny: Goodman was yet another early commitment to the Tigers, making his selection less than a month after the 2008 National Signing Day. Despite receiving steady pressure from Georgia, Alabama, Florida and LSU, Goodman stuck with the Tigers and enrolled in the spring of 2009. Goodman had a steady yet unspectacular career with Clemson before being selected in the fourth round by Atlanta in the 2013 Draft. Currently preparing for his fourth season in Atlanta, Goodman has yet to really make his mark as he has only totaled 28 tackles and two forced fumbles to this point.

Farrell’s take: Goodman was a physical freak, a very strong and physical end who could overpower anyone and had the second biggest set of hands I’ve ever seen (D.J. Fluker is No. 1) which he used effectively. He wasn’t the quickest off the snap, but made up for it with the ability to push the pocket. With his physical abilities I expected a better career at Clemson and beyond, so he fell a bit short of expectations.

The skinny: While Clemson was seen as the leader for a couple of months, the Tigers received a major push from both South Carolina and Virginia Tech before Ferrell committed in June. Ferrell did not play his senior season due to a torn ACL, which eventually led to him redshirting in 2015. Now fully healthy, and with both starters from last season needing to be replaced, Ferrell had a big spring camp which vaulted him to a starting position heading into the 2016 season. It will likely be an interesting August for Ferrell, who will undoubtedly be pushed for the starting spot by several players throughout the month.

Farrell’s take: Many feel that this is Ferrell’s breakout season at Clemson, and it’s hard to doubt based on his physical ability and the amazing coaching Clemson's defensive players get. I always liked his athletic upside, although he was a bit stiff at times, but I questioned his aggressiveness, so it will be interesting to see how he adjusts to such a key role this season. He’s a high character kid and was almost too nice on the field.

The skinny: Kelly took an aggressive approach to his recruiting process, taking a multitude of visits during the spring and summer before he finally committed to Clemson in late July over Alabama, Florida State, Georgia and Michigan. Kelly didn’t arrive in Death Valley until this summer, so while it is a lot to expect of a true freshman to earn playing time in the ACC at defensive end, expectations are also very high for him. With openings at the position, look for him to get a long, hard look this summer to see if he can avoid a redshirt season.

Farrell’s take: Ranked just last year, it’s obviously early to see how Kelly will respond to college ball, but he has the physical ability to contribute early. He has size, length and power but was still raw as a pass rusher and technician out of high school. His physical gifts can’t be questioned, but his motor and drive can be, so we will see if he steps it up at the next level. However, it’s tough to bet against a defensive lineman from the state of Missouri these days.

The skinny: After trimming his list down to 10 schools, Bryant took several visits before it became obvious that Clemson and Notre Dame were his two leaders. After taking follow-up visits to both schools during the summer, Bryant made his commitment to the Tigers in July. Despite arriving on campus with Shaq Lawson and Kevin Dodd in front of him, Bryant still earned significant playing time last fall as a true freshman. He finished with 35 tackles and 1.5 sacks and is a front-runner to earn a starting job this summer for the 2016 season.

Farrell’s take: I was a bit surprised that Bryant impacted as a true freshman because I wasn’t as high on him as some others out of high school. I felt he was a four-star, but national top 150 was a bit high in my book. So far I’m being proven wrong as he’s on the right path. Adjusting from linebacker to end probably had something to do with my concerns, but I probably should have looked at that as a positive rather than focus on how raw he was with his hand on the ground. He has a bright future it appears.

The skinny: While Williams trimmed his list down to Clemson, Tennessee, Virginia, Virginia Tech and Ohio State during the summer, this one came down to the Tigers and Vols. Clemson was already seen as the leader heading into a late July two-day visit which resolved any doubts he may have had heading into the trip. Tennessee was never able to make up that lost ground and Williams committed to the Tigers on August 6.

Farrell’s take: I like Williams for his upside. He’s raw as a pass rusher, but he has quickness off the snap and good size. Once he learns a bit more technique and some additional moves, he could be very good. He has a good motor, loves football and wants to get better, so he will be coachable, and he has a chance to be a very good end for Clemson after an adjustment period.

Farrell’s take: Cumbie moved to defensive tackle but was dismissed for assault back in 2010 while Ogundeko was also dismissed back in 2015 after being charged with financial transaction fraud. Brown had a below average career at Clemson based on his ranking but has bounced around the NFL a bit. Cumbie was a physical and aggressive player out of high school, Ogundeko was very raw but was built like a brick and had a high ceiling while Brown was tall and skinny and an accomplished outside pass rusher.