Two Tigers ranked in Top 10 of NFL.com's 'Most Freakish Athletes'

Tony Crumpton - Assoc. Editor - Friday, June 29 2018

The word 'freak' usually has a negative connotation but not on the football field as it means someone extremely athletic or incredible speed/strength combo, etc.

NFL.com ranked their Top 18 most freakish athletes in college football and two Clemson defensive linemen were included with Christian Wilkins and Dexter Lawrence.

Wilkins was ranked No. 8 overall on the list.

"After a surprising decision to return to college for his senior year, Wilkins returns as one of the ACC's most feared defensive linemen," NFL.com's Chase Goodbread write. "It's no wonder: He can play up and down the line in various roles, and has the athleticism to excel at each. Wilkins (6-3, 309 pounds) can bench press 225 pounds 30 times, an excellent total by NFL combine standards, and runs a 4.89-second 40-yard dash. He can clean and press 265 pounds, and boasts a 3-cone drill time of 7.51 seconds."

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Lawrence was rated even freakier at No. 5 overall.

"The Tigers' massive anchor on the defensive line now checks in at 349 pounds, yet turns in speed and agility testing that draft prospects under 300 pounds would be thrilled with: a 4.95-second 40-yard dash, a 1.70-second 10-yard split, and a 3-cone drill time of 7.67," NFL.com said. "Then there is his strength and power -- it's just as evident in his play as it is in the Clemson weight room. Lawrence can now rep 225 pounds on the bench press 36 times, a number which would have ranked fourth at the 2018 NFL Scouting Combine, and power clean 345 pounds."

Houston defensive tackle Ed Oliver was selected as the most freakish college football player.