No. 2 – LB Isaiah Simmons
Defensive line: 104 (snaps)
Box LB: 203
Slot CB: 230
Free safety: 106
Wide CB: 6Clemson's Isaiah Simmons did it ALL at a high level and earns PFF's Most Versatile Player Award 🏆 pic.twitter.com/3H2G0BElHs
— PFF College (@PFF_College) December 13, 2019
Overview:
Without question, the leader of the Clemson defense is the guy you’ll see at the SAM linebacker position lining up all over the field. Simmons was a finalist for the Bednarik and won the Butkus Award this year for good reason. He’s technically a linebacker, but is used in run support, pass coverage, and a blitzer off the edge at times. He might even have the assignment of spying Justin Fields.
His role is much like the bullet position Ohio State employs, but the aggressive scheme of defensive coordinator Brent Venables is a perfect marriage for his talents. He can cover receivers, tackle in the box, but more importantly simply create havoc all over the field as one of the most versatile players in college football.
Stats:
93 total tackles, 6 sacks, 2 INTs, 1 forced fumble