32 former Clemson players in NFL training camps

CLEMSON — According to rosters on the NFL's official website, 32 former Clemson football players are currently in training camps with NFL teams. The list includes 11 defensive linemen.

NFL training camps opened last week and the first exhibition game is this coming Sunday. At least one former Tiger is represented on the rosters of 22 of the 32 teams. Ten different teams have two former Tigers.

As stated above, there are more defensive linemen on the list than any other position with 11. There are six defensive backs, four offensive linemen, three linebackers, two tight ends, two wide receivers, two running backs, one quarterback and one punter. Twenty of the 32 players are defensive players, 11 are offensive players and there is one special teams player.

The veteran of the group is Arizona Cardinals defensive tackle Nick Eason, who is in his 10th year in the NFL. Five of the players are rookies and were starters on Clemson’s 2011 ACC Championship team. Those players are Dwayne Allen, Andre Branch, Kourtnei Brown, Antoine McClain and Rennie Moore. Eighteen members of Clemson’s 2009 team that won the Atlantic Division of the ACC, are on NFL rosters at the moment.

For the first time since 1996, Brian Dawkins is not on this list. Dawkins returned in the offseason after 17 years in the NFL. He made nine Pro Bowls, including two of the last three seasons with the Denver Broncos.