Lawrence Named ACC Defensive Rookie of the Year

Clemson, S.C.—Clemson freshman defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence has been named the ACC Defensive Rookie-of-the-Year. The announcement was made the by Atlantic Coast Sports Media Association on Tuesday.

Lawrence helped the Tigers earn a spot in this week’s Dr Pepper ACC Football Championship game, emerging as a key part of a stout defensive unit that has allowed just 17 points and 307.9 yards per game. Clemson is ranked in the top 10 in the nation in both categories and has a 11-1 overall record with a no. 3 national ranking.

Lawrence, a 6-5, 340-pound native of Wake Forest, North Carolina, ranks fourth on the team with 71 tackles. He has 7.5 tackles for loss, including five quarterback sacks, while creating 19 quarterback hurries.

Lawrence led the ACC Defensive Rookie of the Year balloting with 23 votes, while Duke’s Giles-Harris and Wake Forest’s Bates earned eight votes each.  Miami linebacker Shaquille Quarterman was next with five votes, while Florida State defensive end Brian Burns received three and Miami defensive end Joe Jackson one.