Brandon Thompson Class: Sophomore Hometown: Thomasville, GA High School: Thomasville Height / Weight: 6-3 / 305 Position: DT Experience: 1VL Major: Pre-Business

Thompson Fact: Had a season-best six tackles in just 23 snaps in the win over Virginia in 2008.
Years Lettered: 2008
Depth Chart Position: First-team defensive tackle

Overview: Strong defensive tackle who will be a key to Clemson's run defense in 2009...nicknamed "Yams" because of his strong legs and thighs...top tackler in the Spring Game with six stops...did 29 reps of 225 pounds, tied for fourth-best on the team.

2008: First-year freshman defensive tackle who was slated to be red-shirted...spent the Alabama game on the sideline, then had the red-shirt taken off after Jamie Cumbie was injured and lost for the season against Alabama...played each of the last 12 games...had 25 tackles, fourth-most on the team among freshmen...third on the team in tackles among interior defensive linemen...had five tackles for loss...had two tackles for loss, his first career sack, and his first career takeaway (recovered fumble) against S.C. State...had four tackles in 28 snaps against N.C. State...made his first career start against Duke when Dorell Scott was injured; he had two tackles in 23 snaps...had six tackles at Virginia...had at least one tackle in 10 games...had two tackles and a caused fumble against Georgia Tech.

Before Clemson: Rated as the #39 player in the nation by ESPN.com...#3 defensive tackle in the nation by ESPN.com...#114 player in the nation by Rivals.com...#10 player in Georgia and #9 defensive tackle in the nation by Rivals.com...#71 player and #6 defensive tackle in the nation by Scout.com...#5 player in Georgia and #8 defensive lineman in the nation by SuperPrep...four-year starter...played in the ESPN/Under Armour All-American game...led the team in sacks (19) and had 61 tackles as a senior...defensive player-of-the-year by Atlanta Journal-Constitution...region defensive player-of-the-year as a senior...two-time all-state pick...bench pressed 385 pounds, squated 600 pounds, and cleaned 315 pounds...coached by Richard Marsh...recruited by Billy Napier...chose Clemson over Florida State, Georgia, Louisiana State, Miami (FL), Ohio State, and Tennessee...born Oct. 19, 1989...majoring in pre-business.