The Clemson Tigers have gotten a significant boost from their freshmen players through the first five games of the 2024 season.
Receivers Bryant Wesco and T.J. Moore have made the Tigers more dynamic on offense, with Wesco (11 catches, 262 yards) appearing just behind sophomore Antonio Williams as the team’s leading receiver.
On defense, freshman linebacker Sammy Brown has been a disruptive force and ranks tied for fourth in tackles — even with decreased playing time in Clemson’s last two wins (against Stanford in Week 5 and Florida State last Saturday).
On Thursday, ESPN named Brown to its list of the Top 15 impact freshmen for 2024 (subscription required) at No. 10. Wide receivers Ryan Williams (Alabama Crimson Tide) and Jeremiah Smith (Ohio State Buckeyes) were ranked Nos. 1 and 2, respectively.
ESPN’s Billy Tucker said of Brown:
“With injuries around him, the No. 2 linebacker in the 2024 class, has come on for the Tigers and is currently tied for fourth in tackles with 20. Brown is a productive special teams player but has really flashed at linebacker including two sacks in a win versus Stanford and team leading eight tackles (3.5 for loss) versus NC State. Brown has also held up well in coverage with two pass breakups. He’s a fast and physical defender who will continue to light up the stat sheet when given the opportunity.”
Earlier this week, Dabo Swinney was asked about Brown not seeing as many snaps in the Tigers’ 29-13 win over Florida State after the five-star freshman had only seven snaps in the game.
“He played a lot in the Stanford game,” Swinney said. “We put him in there (against Florida State) and he had a big bust. Gave up a huge play, so that probably didn’t help him. Got to do your job and know what to do when we put you in there.”
Swinney also mentioned depth at linebacker, specifically with senior Barrett Carter and junior Wade Woodaz playing well.
“We’re not in a hurry to get Barrett and Woodaz off the field,” Swinney said before adding, “Sammy will be just fine. He’s coming at a good, healthy pace and he’ll be ready when we need it. He’s done a great job.”
Clemson travels to Winston-Salem this week to face Wake Forest in ACC play. Kickoff is set for noon ET. The game can be seen on ESPN.
The Tigers are ranked No. 10 in this week’s AP Top 25 poll and No. 11 in the US LBM Coaches Poll.
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