One of the biggest strengths for Clemson’s defense heading into the 2024 college football season figures to be at linebacker.
To that end, veteran college football prognosticator Phil Steele recently released his annual position rankings. In them, Steele named Clemson’s linebacker corps the best in the ACC.
While the Tigers lost Jeremiah Trotter Jr. to the NFL Draft, they return senior Barrett Carter after much speculation that Carter would forego his senior year of eligibility to enter the draft. He chose to return to Clemson where he heads into the season as one of the nation’s top-rated linebackers.
Elsewhere at the position, Wade Woodaz made five starts a season ago and had an impressive showing in the Tigers’ annual Orange vs. White Spring Game, totaling eight tackles. Woodaz hopes to help Wes Goodwin’s defense offset the loss of Trotter. Kobe McCloud adds depth to the unit after being credited with 17 tackles a season ago.
Then there’s the much-anticipated debut of five-star freshman linebacker Sammy Brown, who had an equally impressive spring game performance with eight tackles (six solo) and one sack.
Jamal Anderson will look to further his development after seeing action in all 13 games as a freshman. Clemson also has three-star linebackers Drew Woodaz and C.J. Kubah-Taylor from its 2024 recruiting class.
Steele ranked Clemson’s linebacker corps No. 8 nationally — one spot behind Oregon. Iowa was ranked No. 1 in Steele’s rankings.
Follow us @Clemson_Wire on X and on Facebook for ongoing coverage of Clemson Tigers news, notes and commentary.