ESPN’s College Football Live recently highlighted Clemson freshman linebacker Sammy Brown as a standout player from Week 11, with analyst Tom Luginbill praising his impressive performance.
Brown, who earned his first career start in Clemson’s 24-14 victory over Virginia Tech, led the Tigers’ defense with eight tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, and a sack. His efforts were pivotal as Clemson held Virginia Tech’s rushing offense to a season-low 40 yards—down significantly from the Hokies’ season average of 201.4 yards per game. Brown’s athleticism and strategic play helped Clemson limit the Hokies to just 1.9 yards per carry, showcasing his impact on the field.
Luginbill emphasized Brown’s development as a key defensive player, describing him as a “slow-burn” talent who has steadily become an essential component of Clemson’s lineup. Brown, who was one of the top-10 recruits in the ESPN 300 rankings, has now become Clemson’s leader in tackles for loss with 9.0 on the season, leading all freshmen nationally in that category. Additionally, his 4.0 sacks place him second on Clemson’s roster.
For his outstanding contributions in the Virginia Tech game, Brown was honored with multiple accolades: ACC Linebacker of the Week, ACC Rookie of the Week, and the Shaun Alexander Freshman Player of the Week. This recognition highlights his growing role as a defensive anchor for Clemson, as his performance against Virginia Tech has set a high standard. With 175 defensive snaps under his belt, the 6-foot-2, 235-pound freshman is proving to be a force to reckon with, and Clemson fans have reason to be excited about his future contributions to the team.