Tag: Baylon Spector

Five Tigers honored by NFF Hampshire Honor Society

Five former Clemson student-athletes – offensive lineman Matt Bockhorst, long snapper Jack Maddox, linebacker Baylon Spector, punter Will Spiers and wide receiver/holder Will Swinney – were named Wednesday to the National Football Foundation & …

Five former Clemson student-athletes — offensive lineman Matt Bockhorst, long snapper Jack Maddox, linebacker Baylon Spector, punter Will Spiers and wide receiver/holder Will Swinney — were named Wednesday to the National Football Foundation & College Hall of Fame’s NFF Hampshire Honor Society. Additional information from the National Football Foundation is included below.

IRVING, Texas (April 13, 2022) – The National Football Foundation & College Hall of Fame (NFF) announced today the members of the 2022 NFF Hampshire Honor Society, which is comprised of college football players from all divisions of the NCAA, NAIA and sprint football who each maintained a cumulative 3.2 GPA or better throughout their college careers.

An elite group of 1,559 players from 313 schools qualified for membership in 2022, the Society’s 16th year. The 1,559 honorees are the second most in a single year during the program’s history. The initiative has now honored 14,640 student-athletes since its inception.

“As the National Football Foundation celebrates its 75th anniversary in 2022, we are pleased to honor another impressive group of athletes as part of this year’s Hampshire Honor Society,” said NFF President & CEO Steve Hatchell. “Over the last 16 years, the Hampshire Honor Society has served as a powerful vehicle for schools to recognize their college football players who have distinguished themselves both academically and athletically, and we congratulate the schools and each of these young men for their commitment to excellence in all aspects of their lives.”

Nominated by their respective schools, members of the NFF Hampshire Honor Society must have:

– Completed their final year of playing eligibility in Fall 2021;
– Graduated players, who have remaining eligibility but will not return to collegiate play (e.g. declared for NFL Draft or retired from football), may also be nominated.
– Attained a minimum undergraduate cumulative GPA of 3.2 (4.0 scale);
– Met all NCAA/NAIA-mandated progress towards degree requirements; and
– Been starters or significant contributors throughout the 2021 season.

The NFF Hampshire Honor Society capitalizes on the NFF’s National Scholar-Athlete program by greatly expanding the number of scholar-athletes the NFF can recognize each year. The program further strengthens the organization’s leadership role in encouraging academic performance by the student-athletes at the 771 colleges and universities with football programs nationwide.

Division III’s Massachusetts Institute of Technology led all programs with 22 members in 2022, tying Yale (2018) for the single-year mark for most honorees from one school. Coastal Carolina, Northwestern and Stanford led all FBS programs with 10 members each while Harvard led all FCS schools with 18 honorees. Hillsdale (MI) was the Division II leader with 14 members, Peru State (NE) led the NAIA with nine honorees and the Cornell Sprint Football team topped the Collegiate Sprint Football League with 11.

Fifty-two schools had at least nine honorees in 2022, including Brown, Carnegie Mellon (PA), Catholic (DC), Central (IA), Chadron State (NE), Chicago (IL), Claremont-Mudd-Scripps (CA), Coastal Carolina, Columbia, Cornell, Cornell Sprint Football, Dartmouth, Davidson, Dayton, DePauw (IN), Franklin & Marshall (PA), Gustavus Adolphus (MN), Hardin-Simmons (TX), Harvard, Hendrix (AR), Hillsdale (MI), Illinois, Iowa State, Ithaca (NY), Johns Hopkins (MD), Kalamazoo (MI), Lake Forest (IL), Loras (IA), Macalester (MN), Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Northern Iowa, Northwestern, Ohio Northern, Peru State (NE), Pomona-Pitzer (CA), Redlands (CA), Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (NY), Rochester (NY), Rose-Hulman (IN), Saint John’s (MN), Sioux Falls (SD), St. Lawrence (NY), St. Thomas, Stanford, Stonehill (MA), Texas A&M-Commerce, Tufts (MA), Union (NY), Washington & Jefferson (PA), Washington Univ. in St. Louis (MO), Wheaton (IL) and Williams (MA).

Jon F. Hanson, the chairman and founder of The Hampshire Companies, provided the funds to launch the NFF Hampshire Honor Society in 2007. He made the contribution as part of his legacy to the organization after serving as NFF Chairman from 1994-2006. He currently serves the organization as chairman emeritus. Each player awarded with membership in this year’s Honor Society will receive a certificate commemorating his achievement.

“It was my great privilege to endow the NFF Hampshire Honor Society, which has greatly increased the number of college student-athletes the NFF has been able to recognize during the past 16 years,” said Hanson. “Nationwide there are thousands of football players excelling in the classroom, and they are going on to become great leaders.”

“We have honored more than 14,000 student-athletes in the last 16 years thanks to Jon Hanson’s generosity,” said NFF Chairman Archie Manning. “We are grateful for his passionate belief in the scholar-athlete ideal, and the Hampshire Honor Society allows us to showcase the names of tomorrow’s leaders while inspiring future generations to follow in their footsteps.”

Twenty-five colleges and universities have had at least one player in all 16 years of the NFF Hampshire Honor Society (2007-22), including Brigham Young, Brown, Bucknell, Columbia, Dayton, Iowa, Johns Hopkins (MD), Kentucky, Lafayette, Minnesota, Minnesota Duluth, North Dakota, North Dakota State, Northern Iowa, Penn State, Redlands (CA), Saint John’s (MN), SMU, South Dakota State, Washington Univ. in St. Louis (MO), Wayne State (MI), West Virginia, Wingate (NC), Yale and Youngstown State.

The Hampshire Honor Society represents an important component in the organization’s rich history as an innovator in promoting the scholar-athlete ideal, which began in 1959 with the NFF National Scholar-Athlete Awards. Click here to learn more.

–Courtesy of Clemson Athletic Communications and the National Football Foundation

Clemson Variety & Frame is doing their part to help bring you some classic new barware and help one of the local businesses that helps make Clemson special.

Order your Nick’s barware and do your part to help.  #SaveNicks

Spector working to round out game, improve draft stock

When it comes to this year’s NFL Draft, Baylon Spector isn’t about to be picky. “I just want to hear my name called,” Spector said. “Wherever I go and whoever takes me, I’ll be super happy, put my best foot forward and start preparing.” But …

When it comes to this year’s NFL Draft, Baylon Spector isn’t about to be picky.

“I just want to hear my name called,” Spector said. “Wherever I go and whoever takes me, I’ll be super happy, put my best foot forward and start preparing.”

But Clemson’s former linebacker believed he increased his chances of making that happen with his performance at the school’s pro day last week. It was the latest opportunity for Spector to show teams what he can offer with his skill set. The Tigers’ starting weakside linebacker the last two seasons, Spector ran the 40-yard dash in 4.6 seconds as part of his workout at the NFL scouting combine earlier this month.

Spector said his focus during pro day was agility and skill work. He posted a time of 4.23 seconds in the pro agility drill, fastest among those who participated, and 6.83 in the three-cone drill, second-fastest in that event. Only safety Nolan Turner (37.5) had a higher vertical jump than Spector’s 36 inches.

“Happy with (my numbers),” said Spector, who measured in at 6-foot-1 and 231 pounds. “Went out there and did my absolute best.”

Spector said he talked to roughly half of the NFL teams while at the scouting combine in Indianapolis. He finished his five seasons at Clemson with 210 career tackles and was the Tigers’ second-leading tackler last season with 85 stops, but Spector said teams at the next level have wanted to see improvement in his ability to play in the box, get off blocks and stick with running backs, tight ends and slot receivers in coverage.

Spector also had an interception a season ago, though he said the Tigers’ pass defense largely utilized zone coverages under former defensive coordinator Brent Venables. He got his first opportunity to perform in front of NFL personnel after this past season at the East-West Shrine Game, where he said he had a “really good week of man-to-man coverage.”

It’s all part of rounding out his game if Spector hopes to be a three-down linebacker at the next level, which would increase his value to NFL teams.

“Just putting more man-to-man coverage on tape,” Spector said.

Without getting into specifics, Spector said he’s had multiple conversations with some teams, though he wouldn’t say there’s one team that he’s talked to more than others during the pre-draft process. He feels like he’s done just about everything possible to solidify himself as a draft pick, including spending five years in a system as complex and detailed as the one implemented at Clemson under Venables, who’s widely regarded as one of the top defensive minds in the sport.

“It’s easier to pick up things because you’re used to doing so much,” Spector said.

Now he will wait to see if it’s all enough to get a call during the draft, which is slated to begin April 19.

Clemson Variety & Frame is doing their part to help bring you some classic new barware and help one of the local businesses that helps make Clemson special.

Order your Nick’s barware and do your part to help.  #SaveNicks

Who’s next up for the Clemson defense? Former Tiger weighs in

At the 2022 NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis last week, Fran Duffy of PhiladelphiaEagles.com caught up with former Clemson linebacker Baylon Spector. Duffy asked Spector who he expects to be next up for the Tigers’ defense and who people should …

At the 2022 NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis last week, Fran Duffy of PhiladelphiaEagles.com caught up with former Clemson linebacker Baylon Spector.

Duffy asked Spector who he expects to be next up for the Tigers’ defense and who people should be looking out for next season.

Spector named a couple of Clemson linebackers — redshirt junior and Pennsylvania native Keith Maguire, and sophomore Jeremiah Trotter Jr., the son of Jeremiah Trotter, Sr., a four-time Pro Bowl linebacker who spent the majority of his 12-year NFL career with the Eagles and is in the Eagles Hall of Fame.

“Jeremiah Trotter. He. Can. Play. Football,” Spector said, via Duffy. “It only took like two weeks watching him in spring ball. It’s like this kid’s got really good instincts. He’s got a nose for the football. I’m excited for him. Give a shout out to Keith Maguire too, another Philly guy. Both of them up there. Just two guys that have I mean, Keith’s a little bit older but both have really good talent. A lot of speed. Can play the game of football.”

Trotter enters the 2022 season following a true freshman campaign in 2021 during which he notched 22 tackles (one for loss) and a sack while playing 59 defensive snaps and key special teams roles in 13 games.

Maguire heads into 2022 with 33 tackles (4.0 for loss), a forced fumble, an interception and two pass breakups in 208 defensive snaps over 28 career games.

Clemson Variety & Frame is doing their part to help bring you some classic new barware and help one of the local businesses that helps make Clemson special.

Order your Nick’s barware and do your part to help.  #SaveNicks

Spector’s 40-yard dash time at NFL Combine

Former Clemson linebacker Baylon Spector ran the 40-yard dash on Saturday night, when linebackers went through on-field drills at the 2022 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. Spector recorded an unofficial time of 4.64 on his …

Former Clemson linebacker Baylon Spector ran the 40-yard dash on Saturday night, when linebackers went through on-field drills at the 2022 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.

Spector recorded an unofficial time of 4.64 on his lone 40-yard dash attempt.

A two-year starter at weakside linebacker in 2020-21 after spending several seasons as a key reserve, Spector finished his Clemson career (2017-21) credited with 210 career tackles (22.0 for loss), 9.0 sacks, four forced fumbles, four fumble recoveries, three pass breakups and an interception over 53 games (21 starts).

The Calhoun, Ga., native ranked second on Clemson’s defense in 2021 with 85 tackles, recording 4.5 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, a pass breakup, an interception, a forced fumble in 11 games (10 starts).

The 2022 NFL Draft will take place April 28-30 in Las Vegas.

Clemson Variety & Frame is doing their part to help bring you some classic new barware and help one of the local businesses that helps make Clemson special.

Order your Nick’s barware and do your part to help.  #SaveNicks

Former Tiger talks Goodwin, Renfrow at NFL Combine

Baylon Spector met with the media Friday at the 2022 NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis. The former Clemson linebacker talked about the Tigers’ new defensive coordinator/linebackers coach, Wes Goodwin. While Spector played most of his Clemson …

Baylon Spector met with the media Friday at the 2022 NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis.

The former Clemson linebacker talked about the Tigers’ new defensive coordinator/linebackers coach, Wes Goodwin.

While Spector played most of his Clemson career (2017-21) for former Tigers’ defensive coordinator Brent Venables, Goodwin made a great impression on Spector during the short time they spent together prior to the 2021 Cheez-It Bowl vs. Iowa State.

“Obviously, I loved Coach V, but Wes is great, too,” Spector said. “I only had one game with him, but from the couple weeks that we had for the bowl game, I enjoyed it. I mean, he’s Wes — I don’t know how to describe him. He’s super quiet, very smart, very intelligent, is going to do a great job with the players. I advise all players to get to know him because he’s a great guy, super funny. I enjoy the heck out of him. They’re going to do great, and I wish him the best of luck.”

Spector was also asked about Clemson legend and current Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Hunter Renfrow, who played with Spector at Clemson in 2017 and 2018.

“Hunter’s a great guy, a great teammate,” Spector said, via Mario Tovar. “We played golf together and he’s a fun guy to be around.”

–Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images

Clemson Variety & Frame is doing their part to help bring you some classic new barware and help one of the local businesses that helps make Clemson special.

Order your Nick’s barware and do your part to help.  #SaveNicks

Four Tigers earn invites to the NFL Combine

On Wednesday, the NFL released the list of players invited to the 2022 NFL Scouting Combine, which will take place in Indianapolis from March 1 through March 7. Four former Clemson football players are among the 324 total prospects that have been …

On Wednesday, the NFL released the list of players invited to the 2022 NFL Scouting Combine, which will take place in Indianapolis from March 1 through March 7.

Four former Clemson football players are among the 324 total prospects that have been invited to attend this year’s combine.

Cornerbacks Andrew Booth and Mario Goodrich, wide receiver Justyn Ross and linebacker Baylon Spector all earned invites to the 2022 NFL Combine.

Booth and Goodrich swept first-team All-ACC honors at cornerback in 2021, becoming the first single-school duo to sweep both first-team All-ACC cornerback honors since 1997. Booth tallied 39 tackles (3.0 for loss), five pass breakups and a team-high three interceptions in 11 games (all starts), while Goodrich was credited with 48 tackles, nine pass breakups, two interceptions and a forced fumble in 12 games (all starts).

Spector ranked second on the team in 2021 with 85 tackles, recording 4.5 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, a pass breakup, an interception, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery in 11 games (10 starts).

Ross was named as one of two recipients of the ACC’s Brian Piccolo Award in 2021 — which is presented annually to the conference’s most courageous player(s) — after making an inspiring comeback from a career-threatening spinal condition. He recorded team highs in receptions (46) and receiving yards (514) while adding three receiving touchdowns in 10 games (all starts).

–Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images 

Clemson Variety & Frame is doing their part to help bring you some classic new barware and help one of the local businesses that helps make Clemson special.

Order your Nick’s barware and do your part to help.  #SaveNicks

Former Tiger impresses this week at Shrine Bowl, set to take national stage tonight

A former Clemson standout has shown out this week at the 2022 East-West Shrine Bowl and is set to take the stage tonight for the nationally televised primetime game from Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. Clemson’s Baylon Spector has been impressive in …

A former Clemson standout has shown out this week at the 2022 East-West Shrine Bowl and is set to take the stage tonight for the nationally televised primetime game from Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas.

Clemson’s Baylon Spector has been impressive in Shrine Bowl practices, and earlier this week, the linebacker was listed among the biggest risers from practice at the Shrine Bowl by Cam Mellor of Pro Football Network.

Despite sporting a club on his right hand after undergoing hand surgery prior to the Cheez-It Bowl, which forced him to miss the game, Spector still managed to make a nice interception earlier this week against the quarterback the Tigers faced in the Cheez-It Bowl — Iowa State’s Brock Purdy.

“Making the play of the day for the defense, Clemson LB Baylon Spector showcased great coverage ability during team drills,” Mellor wrote. “He dropped back perfectly and read the quarterback’s eyes with ease, nabbing a leaping interception. What made it even more impressive was the fact that he made the pick with a cast on his right hand.

“Spector showcased run-stuffing ability as well on numerous occasions. He was flying around the field all day long at Allegiant.”

Spector has also showcased his versatility this week, playing multiple linebacker positions.

“It’s fun. I enjoy it,” Spector said during a Shrine Bowl press conference. “Especially coming from Clemson where I was just inside, and then coming here and running a 4.3 and a 4.25 and had the opportunity to learn some new lingo, some new terminology — it was good. And just being able to make the calls, I enjoy that. I think it’s one of my strengths. I really enjoy it, and then obviously having the opportunity to play different positions, it makes you think, it makes you better.”

Spector ranked second on Clemson’s team this past season with 85 tackles, recording 4.5 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, a pass breakup, an interception, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery over 593 snaps in 11 games (10 starts).

The 2022 East-West Shrine Bowl will be played at 8 p.m. tonight at Allegiant Stadium and will be televised on NFL Network.

Former Clemson safety Nolan Turner is also listed on the West team’s roster with Spector.

You can check out clips of Spector from this week below:

Clemson Variety & Frame is doing their part to help bring you some classic new barware and help one of the local businesses that helps make Clemson special.

Order your Nick’s barware and do your part to help.  #SaveNicks

Year by year sack leaders during Brent Venables tenure with the Clemson Tigers

Getting ready for the Brent Venables era, which players led the Clemson Tigers in sacks during his tenure as the defensive coordinator.

It’s a new era for the Oklahoma Sooners, and the biggest change comes on the defensive side of the ball. Brent Venables and a new defensive staff look to take the Oklahoma Sooners back into the top 10 of the national rankings.

One position group that will benefit greatly from the transition to Venables and his group of coaches is the defensive line. During Venables’ time as the defensive coordinator for the Clemson Tigers, their sack leader had double-digit sacks four times. Only once did a Clemson Tiger have fewer than eight sacks.

For comparison, in 2021, Nik Bonitto and Isaiah Thomas each had seven sacks. Back in 2015 for the Clemson Tigers, Kevin Dodd and Shaq Lawson had 12.5 sacks a piece.

Jalen Redmond, Reggie Grimes, Marcus Stripling, Ethan Downs and other defensive linemen will benefit greatly from the hiring of Venables and the additions of Todd Bates and Miguel Chavis.

To look forward and create expectations

Unpacking Future Packers: No. 100 Baylon Spector

Clemson LB Baylon Spector is first up for Packers Wire’s draft series, Unpacking Future Packers. We’ll count down 100 players the Packers could pick in the 2022 NFL draft.

The Unpacking Future Packers Countdown is a countdown of 100 prospects that could be selected by the Green Bay Packers in the 2022 NFL Draft.

It’s going to be a busy offseason for Brian Gutekunst at 1265 Lombardi Avenue. Will the Green Bay Packers general manager be able to get Davante Adams a new deal? Will Aaron Rodgers be back? What key players (if any) will be cap casualties? 

After Gutekunst wades his way through those weeds he has to find a way to improve the special teams play. The best way for Gutekunst to go about accomplishing that goal is by selecting players on day three of the 2022 NFL Draft that have extensive experience playing on special teams. 

A player that falls under that umbrella is Clemson’s Baylon Spector. The Tiger linebacker checks in at No. 100 in the Unpacking Future Packers Countdown.

Spector came to Clemson as a three-star recruit out of Calhoun High School in Georgia. In 2019, Spector recorded 7.5 tackles for loss and two sacks.

Spector earned Second Team All-ACC in 2020 after recording a team-leading 64 tackles. To go along with his 64 tackles, Spector recorded 10.5 tackles for loss and a team-high 4.5 sacks. 

This past season, Spector recorded 74 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks and one interception.

The Clemson linebacker has a high football IQ. He’s got strong key and diagnose skills. The Georgia native is smart, assignment sound and rarely out of position. Spector has a nose for the football and is always in the vicinity of the football. 

“Baylon’s instincts are NFL starting caliber,” Shane Coughlin, the Director of College Scouting for the Shrine Bowl said. “He’s a really efficient mover and always keeps his eyes disciplined, it’s his instincts that coordinate effectiveness between his mental and physical strengths.”

Spector possesses excellent short-area burst and closing speed. He’s great at playing in the box (tackle-to-tackle). The Clemson linebacker does a great job of playing through the mess and beating offensive lineman to the spot. He’s a sound tackler and missed tackles are a rarity.

“I love how he tracks ball carriers while scraping through contact,” Coughlin said. “He’s able to sift through blocks working over the second level of the defense all while matching foot speed and mirroring running backs lateral agility.”

While Spector is a sound run defender, he’s also a reliable defender in coverage. He shows good lateral quickness and does a good job of matching the speed of running backs and tight ends. 

“He has impressive control and anticipation during his setup steps in coverage,” Coughlin said. “His backpedals and overall lateral movements are measured and work to close angles to limit yards after the catch.”

Spector has a relentless motor. The Clemson linebacker leaves it all out on the field. That relentless shows up as a blitzer, where his effort and strength overpower running backs.

“He has above average bend for an off-ball linebacker,” Coughlin said. “He wins with the late adjustments against backs and can fight through the first level with effort.”

Where Spector will make his mark as a rookie is on special teams. He has experience on special teams coverages and possesses good straight line, pursuit speed. 

“Baylon has experience in all phases of the kicking game throughout his career and I do think he has NFL value there,” Coughlin said. “I see him primarily playing guard on punt coverage and a disruptor on kick coverage. His overall football intelligence and tackling ability translates all over.”

Fit with the Packers

The Packers need to improve the depth at inside linebacker and find a way to improve their special teams play. By drafting Spector, Gutekunst would kill two birds with one stone. 

If the Packers bring back De’Vondre Campbell, Spector could slide in as the number two backer opposite Campbell. 

If the Packers opt to let Campbell walk or if Campbell gets a bigger paycheck elsewhere, Spector could step in and be a day-one starter. Spector has all the tools to be a four-down backer and difference-maker at the next level.

“Baylon has four down value,” Coughlin said. “He’s a two-year starter from an excellent program. He’s an honor roll student and graduate. He’s a former high school state championship quarterback with prototypical size and athleticism. His production has increased in each of his years at Clemson. He’s scheme versatile, and has special teams traits.”

Anything Spector would provide on defense as a rookie would be gravy. If the Packers were to draft him on day three of the draft, they’d be getting a hired assassin on special teams.

Taking inventory: Linebacker

Clemson still has a bowl game left to play this season, but it’s never too early to look ahead. With the regular season in the books, TCI is taking some time to analyze how the Tigers performed at each position this fall and where the Tigers stand …

Clemson still has a bowl game left to play this season, but it’s never too early to look ahead.

With the regular season in the books, TCI is taking some time to analyze how the Tigers performed at each position this fall and where the Tigers stand with each as the offseason quickly approaches. Quarterback, running back, tight end, receiver, center, guard, offensive tackle, defensive tackle and defensive end have already been assessed.

Next up is linebacker.

A quick note first: This is where things currently stand with Clemson’s personnel at linebacker. With the one-time transfer rule and recruiting still in full effect, things are always subject to change. This story will be updated as needed to reflect any future modifications at the position.

2021 in review

Clemson began the season with its Bruise Brothers still intact. Will it stay that way after the bowl game?

It will be the final game in a Clemson uniform for James Skalski, a sixth-year senior who’s roamed the middle of the Tigers’ defense as a starter for the last few seasons. His sidekicker, weak-side linebacker Baylon Spector, has been around for five seasons.

The duo ended the regular season as Clemson’s leading tacklers. Skalski is sitting on a team-best 97 tackles, including some timely goal-line stops late against Georgia Tech and Louisville. He also leads the Tigers with 14 quarterback hurries. Spector isn’t far off that pace with 85 tackles.

Throw in strong-side ‘backer Trenton Simpson, and Clemson’s three leading tacklers all reside at the second level of the defense. Perhaps the most athletic and versatile of the trio, Simpson has 72 tackles, six sacks and 12 tackles for loss (second-most on the team) in his first year as a full-time starter.

Simpson is a true sophomore, so he’s in line to return. The Tigers will need a new middle linebacker with Skalski out of eligibility, but does Spector, who recently underwent hand surgery and won’t play in the bowl, stay or go? He still has a COVID year to use if he chooses to do so.

Clemson has some depth at the position, though not as much as it did at the beginning of the season.

There weren’t many extra snaps to go around considering how much Skalski, Spector and Simpson have stayed on the field – none of them have logged fewer than 516 snaps this season – but sophomore LaVonta Bentley has gotten as much work as any of the backups (145 snaps). Bentley, who has already filled in for Spector once on the weak side, could be auditioning for a starting job next season in the bowl game.

True freshman Barrett Carter logged 147 snaps during the regular season as Simpson’s primary backup. Jake Venables, Kane Patterson, Keith McGuire, Sergio Allen and another freshman, Jeremiah Trotter, have gotten some reps here and there, but Patterson is transferring to Vanderbilt. Clemson coach Dabo Swinney said Venables, a junior, also won’t be returning to the program as a player next season.

The group will certainly look different next season. The question at his point is how much different?

Who’s leaving?

Skalski, Spector (maybe), Patterson, Venables

Who’s staying?

Simpson, Spector (maybe), Bentley, McGuire, Allen, Carter, Trotter

Who’s joining?

Jesuit (Florida) High three-star signee Wade Woodaz. Clemson’s other linebacker commitment for the 2022 recruiting cycle, Hays (Kansas) High standout Jaren Kanak, recently decommitted and has already enrolled at Oklahoma, where former Clemson defensive coordinator Brent Venables is now the head coach.

Christmas is right around the corner.  Once again Clemson Variety & Frame is ready to make it a special holiday for your favorite Tiger.

Order today to make sure your gift arrives in time for Christmas.