Signing Day 2012: Martin Aiken

Why be excited: The latest in a line of Bamberg-Ehrhardt defensive ends, following in the footsteps of Ricky Sapp and Da'Quan Bowers, both of whom starred at Clemson before moving on to the NFL. A fast, athletic defensive end, although his stock did drop a bit after showing up at a recent all-star game smaller than his listed height/weight. He is a quick, powerful, relentless end who received plenty of double teams this fall, but still managed to rack up a solid stat line.

You may not know: He also played offensive guard this season, a sign he can play with toughness. B-E coach Butch Crosby said that Aiken is meaner, stronger and more confident than Bowers and Sapp were at this point in their careers, which bodes well for him continuing their legacy at Clemson

How he fits into the depth chart: With the graduation of Andre Branch and Kourtnei Brown, Clemson has a need for defensive ends. Malliciah Goodman and Corey Crawford figure to start spring practice as the No.1s, with redshirted freshman Rod Byers behind them. There could be an opportunity for Aiken and fellow top-25 signee Shaq Lawson to play early.