How has Dabo Swinney built a modern dynasty at Clemson? It all starts with recruiting. The Tigers continually bring in elite talent, then develop those players and convince them to stick around. The result is a fourth consecutive College Football Playoff appearance. Here's a look at how this season's team was built:
Cumulative class ranking
Clemson has recruited the sixth-most talent in the nation over the past five years. However, the Tigers managed to secure that ranking despite signing at least 18 fewer prospects than any of this season's other playoff qualifiers. Swinney and his staff might do a better job than any school in the country at not only signing elite talent but at identifying high-probability prospects who are ideal cultural fits for their program. Additionally, convincing defensive linemen and first-round NFL draft prospects Christian Wilkins (No. 32 in 2015 ESPN 300) and Clelin Ferrell (No. 136 in 2015) to return to Death Valley for an extra season certainly paid huge dividends.
Most important position: Defensive line
In 2018, the Tigers' defense allowed the second-fewest points per game, registered the second-most sacks, and finished with the nation's best defensive efficiency rating. Much of the credit is due to a defensive line that was elite last season and then returned all of its starters for another run at a national title. Wilkins and Ferrell, both first-team All-Americans, were once again joined by former five-star defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence (No. 6 in 2016), a first team All-ACC selection and yet another first-round prospect, and third-team All-ACC defensive end Austin Bryant (No. 134 in 2015) on the starting unit.
Five-star 2018 signee and freshman All-American DE Xavier Thomas (No. 4), DT Albert Huggins (No. 167 in 2015), DT Nyles Pinckney (No. 261 in 2016) and DE Justin Foster (No. 73 in 2017) combined for 21 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks off the bench. The defensive line was so loaded for Swinney this season that 2018 five-star DE K.J. Henry (No. 6) was able get some experience in four contests but still maintain his redshirt status under new NCAA rules.
Key out-of-state pipeline: Georgia
During the Swinney era, Clemson has established and maintained a tightly knit recruiting footprint, signing more than 80 percent of its players over the past five classes from four states -- Florida, Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina. Outside of the Palmetto State, the Tigers reach most frequently into Georgia.
On offense, freshman All-American quarterback Trevor Lawrence (No. 2 in 2018) and first-team All-American offensive tackle Mitch Hyatt (No. 18 in 2015), both former five-stars, along with second-team All-ACC right tackle Tremayne Anchrum (three-star in 2016), tight end Milan Richard (No. 195 in 2014) and running back Adam Choice (No. 252 in 2014) were plucked from the Peach State. Defensively, Bryant, inside linebacker Tre Lamar (No. 89 in 2016) and cornerback A.J. Terrell (No. 106 in 2017) each garnered All-ACC recognition and also hail from Clemson's border state.
Recruits who exceeded expectations
Wide receiver Hunter Renfrow turned down offers from Appalachian State and FCS programs to walk on with the Tigers. Following a redshirt season in 2014, he's posted 180 receptions for 2,061 yards and 16 touchdowns, including four scores in two national championship showdowns against Alabama.
On the other side of the ball, Clemson got great production at safety from a pair of players who were among the Tigers' lowest-rated signees in recent years. Tanner Muse (three-star in 2015) and K'Von Wallace (three-star in 2016) combined for 114 tackles, 11 pass breakups and three interceptions this season, each earning All-ACC recognition. While Muse held offers from Florida and Michigan, along with some ACC foes, Wallace was virtually ignored by all Power 5 programs other than Clemson until just before signing day, when Virginia Tech, Ohio State and others finally came calling.