Tag: sammy brown

Dabo Swinney doesn’t ‘know what targeting is anymore’ after Sammy Brown’s ejection

What looked like a perfect hit resulted in targeting.

Clemson football head coach Dabo Swinney didn’t hide his frustration after the Tigers’ 24-20 win over Pittsburgh, specifically addressing two controversial calls: a fourth-quarter personal foul on Dee Crayton and a second-quarter targeting call on freshman linebacker Sammy Brown.

Brown was ejected late in the first half after a hit on Pitt quarterback Nate Yarnell, which officials ruled as targeting and upheld upon review. Swinney felt the contact was clean and expressed his bewilderment. “I don’t know what targeting is anymore. I really don’t,” he said. “It changes every week. I’ve been coaching for a long time, and I just don’t know what it is.”

Swinney referenced another disputed targeting call from Miami’s win over Cal earlier this season to emphasize his point. “There was a targeting call in the Cal-Miami game earlier this year… I don’t know what targeting is anymore,” he added.

Brown’s ejection compounded issues for Clemson’s already depleted linebacker group, which was missing starter Wade Woodaz due to a practice injury. Despite the challenges, Clemson’s defense held Pitt to 20 points, with key contributions from several players.

Swinney ended on a lighter note, joking, “I’m going to have to go to a seminar in the offseason or something. Targeting anonymous. I don’t know. I have no idea.” His remarks highlighted the impact of officiating and injuries on his team’s hard-fought win.

Clemson star freshman linebacker Sammy Brown ejected from Pitt game for targeting

Brown won’t return against Pitt.

Clemson freshman linebacker Sammy Brown was ejected in the second quarter of Saturday’s game against Pitt after a targeting call on Panthers quarterback Nate Yarnell. The play occurred on third-and-17 when Brown hit Yarnell in the head after the throw, leading to a roughing penalty and targeting ruling that was upheld on review.

Brown’s ejection gave Pitt an automatic first down, but Clemson’s defense regrouped and forced a punt on the drive. With the ejection happening in the first half, Brown will miss the rest of the game but is eligible to return for Clemson’s matchup against The Citadel next week.

Brown’s aggressive play has been a key factor in Clemson’s defensive success this season. While his absence left the Tigers thin at linebacker, the unit has shown resilience, with Brown emerging as a standout contributor. His physicality and energy continue to provide a spark for Clemson, which makes this loss hurt a bit. Especially considering how depleted the Tigers’ are at linebacker.

The worst part is that it just looked like a perfect hit. However, by definition, in the modern game, it is targeting.

The Tigers’ defense has looked good since, but it’s never helpful losing a key player.

ESPN analyst Tom Luginbill names Clemson linebacker Sammy Brown a ‘Freshmen of the Week’

Brown was a standout in his first start.

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.

Clemson freshman linebacker Sammy Brown looks like a superstar in first career start

Brown looked like the future cornerstone of Clemson’s defense.

Clemson football’s defense found a spark in freshman linebacker Sammy Brown, whose standout performance helped the Tigers shut down Virginia Tech’s offense. Brown, who made his first career start, recorded eight tackles, including one sack and two tackles for loss.

His energy was crucial in holding the Hokies to just 40 rushing yards, far below their season average of 201.6. “We knew we had to stop the run,” Brown said after the game, reflecting on the defensive game plan.

Brown’s playmaking ability was on full display as he filled the middle linebacker spot in a new defensive scheme. Clemson switched to a 4-3 base defense to better match up against the Hokies’ potent ground game, and it paid off. With Brown leading the charge, the Tigers forced three turnovers and never allowed Virginia Tech to find a rhythm on offense.

The Hokies didn’t surpass 100 yards until midway through the third quarter, a testament to Clemson’s defensive adjustments.

One of the key changes that helped in the game was Brown’s aggressive play and ability to read the Hokies’ offensive line. His ability to disrupt plays behind the line of scrimmage kept the pressure on Virginia Tech’s offense, forcing them into uncomfortable situations. “I just tried to be in the right place at the right time,” said Brown. “Everyone played hard, and that’s what made it work.” His instincts and presence in the middle allowed other Tigers defenders to focus on their roles, knowing Brown would be a constant threat.

The defense as a whole was revitalized with the adjustments, but it was Brown who provided the spark the Tigers needed. His leadership in his first start was evident as he confidently ran the defense, helping to shut down the Hokies’ offense. “It felt good to be out there starting and helping the team,” Brown added. “It’s a big confidence boost for me moving forward.”

Brown’s standout performance not only helped the defense, but it was also key in keeping Clemson’s slim ACC Championship hopes alive. With this win, and Brown’s breakout game, the Tigers now move forward with a stronger defensive foundation. The performance of the freshman linebacker sets a promising tone for the remainder of the season as Clemson looks to finish strong.

Dabo Swinney sees ‘huge leaps’ from freshman linebacker Sammy Brown

Expect more Sammy Brown down the stretch.

Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney is enthusiastic about freshman linebacker Sammy Brown, emphasizing the former five-star recruit’s remarkable potential and rapid progress in his first season as a Tiger. On his radio show Monday night, Swinney praised Brown’s tenacity and leadership qualities, noting that he’s a natural “alpha” with a relentless work ethic.

“Sammy’s an alpha,” Swinney said, describing the Butkus Award-winning high schooler who joined Clemson in January. “He’s going to be a great player. The biggest thing with him was finding the right pace, so he knows exactly what to do. He’s made huge strides and will keep getting more opportunities as the season goes on.”

Since coming out of Jefferson (Ga.) High as a top-35 national prospect, Brown has played in all eight games this season, amassing 144 defensive snaps. Standing 6-foot-2 and weighing 235 pounds, he’s been a force, ranking second on the team in both tackles for loss (6.5) and sacks (three), along with 28 total tackles, two pass breakups, a quarterback pressure, and three special teams tackles.

Brown’s college debut came on special teams in Clemson’s opener against Georgia, and he later led the team with 11 tackles against App State. His productivity has continued, highlighted by eight tackles (3.5 for loss) and a pass breakup vs. NC State and two sacks with four tackles against Stanford. Brown added two tackles last week against Louisville in 12 snaps.

Reflecting on Brown’s progress, Swinney said, “He’s a great young player … but Sammy’s coming along. He’s taken ownership of key details and improved to where Wes [defensive coordinator Wes Goodwin] can really start trusting him.” Swinney believes the game is slowing down for Brown, who has been “a war daddy on special teams.” With at least five more games on the schedule, Swinney expects Brown will continue contributing and building the foundation for an impressive Clemson career.

ESPN names Sammy Brown to list of Top 10 impact freshmen

Clemson linebacker Sammy Brown ranked in the Top 10 of ESPN’s top freshmen list entering Week 7, joining names like Alabama’s Ryan Williams and Ohio State’s Jeremiah Smith.

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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Dabo Swinney explains Sammy Brown’s decreased snap count against Florida State

Swinney on Brown’s lack of snaps against Florida State.

During his Tuesday press conference, Dabo Swinney explained why freshman linebacker Sammy Brown saw fewer snaps in Clemson football’s recent game against Florida State. After playing 15 snaps in the win over Stanford, Brown was on the field for just seven plays in the victory over the Seminoles.

Swinney highlighted that Brown’s playing time took a hit due to a critical mistake. “He played a lot against Stanford,” Swinney said. “He didn’t get in there quite as much other night. We put him in there, 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.”

Another factor, according to Swinney, is the depth at linebacker, with veterans Barrett Carter and Wade Woodaz taking priority. “We’re not in a hurry to get Barrett and Woodaz off the field. I know y’all are,” Swinney said with a smile. “Sammy will be just fine. He’s coming at a good, healthy pace. He’ll be ready when we need it.”

I understand Swinney’s points here, but after watching this defense so far this season, I truly feel the Tigers will need him on the field more. The talent is undeniable, and there will be moments when those extra reps will matter.

Dabo Swinney on Sammy Brown, if he’ll see more play time as the season goes

Will we see more Sammy Brown as the year goes on?

Sammy Brown made his college debut on special teams in Clemson’s season opener against Georgia, but the highly touted true freshman linebacker didn’t see any action on defense. During his radio show on Monday night, Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney was asked about Brown’s potential for increased playing time as the season progresses.

“Oh yeah,” Swinney affirmed. “Every down was kind of like life or death, it seemed like the other day. So, we’ve got to continue to bring him along. He played special teams and all that, and I think we only ended up playing three backers. But he’ll definitely have plenty more opportunity as we go through the season.”

Brown, a former five-star recruit and 2023 High School Butkus Award Winner, enrolled at Clemson in January and quickly made an impression during the Tigers’ spring game. As the season unfolds, Brown is expected to see more opportunities to showcase the skills that made him one of the nation’s top linebacker prospects.

Clemson players appear on 247Sports’ Preseason True Freshman All-America Team

Linebacker Sammy Brown and kicker Nolan Hauser made 247Sports’ Preseason True Freshman All-American Team.

Two Clemson players were named to 247Sports’ Preseason True Freshman All-American Team Tuesday.

Linebacker Sammy Brown appeared on the list, as did kicker Nolan Hauser. Both are highly touted recruits from the Tigers’ 2024 class. Brown is a consensus five-star recruit from Jefferson, Ga., who committed to Clemson in June 2023. 247Sports ranked him the No. 2 linebacker in the class of 2024 and the No. 14 player overall.

247Sports’ Chris Hummer said of Brown:

“Sammy Brown isn’t going to start for Clemson this year. Those jobs belong to Barrett Carter and Wade Woodaz. But Brown, one of the true freaks of the 2024 class, is still positioned for a big role. Dabo Swinney has said in fall camp that he expects Brown to be a starter on special teams, and it’s very easy to envision him having a large rotational role like Woodaz did a season ago. Brown is just too good an athlete to keep off the field.”

Hauser is a three-star recruit from North Carolina who was ranked the No. 1 kicker in the class of 2024. Swinney has said that Hauser has been in the lead for the top spot at kicker in fall camp over sophomore Robert Gunn.

Per 247Sports:

“Field-goal kicking was an adventure for Clemson last season, so much so that Swinney quite literally pulled Jonathan Weitz out of retirement (he was set to start a full-time job) and he ended up starting for the Tigers. Now, the guy whom Weitz replaced, Robert Gunn, is being pushed yet again — this time by the top-ranked kicker from the 2024 class.”

Clemson opens the 2024 season Aug. 31 against Georgia at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta (noon ET, ABC). The Tigers are ranked No. 14 in the preseason AP Top 25 and US LBM Coaches Polls. Georgia is ranked No. 1 in both polls.

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Clemson linebacker unit ranked Top 3 in college football

Clemson’s linebacker unit is top tier.

Clemson is heading into another season with one of the best linebacker units in the country.

Anchored by the exceptional All-American Barrett Carter, the Tigers’ linebacker corps is not only experienced but also features fresh talent with the addition of 5-star recruit Sammy Brown, one of the premier prospects from the 2024 class. This group is loaded with talent from top to bottom and has some serious potential to serve as the backbone of what promises to be a formidable Clemson defense. With a blend of seasoned leadership and dynamic new energy, this unit is poised to dominate and set the tone for the team throughout the season.

Athlon Sports recently released their linebacker unit rankings for the 2024 season, with Clemson’s landing at No. 3.

Jeremiah Trotter Jr. leaves big shoes to fill in the second level of Clemson’s standout defense, but coach Dabo Swinney’s group caught a break when Barrett Carter (an Athlon Sports first-team All-American for ’24) opted to return instead of bolting for the NFL Draft. Junior Wade Woodaz is expected to settle in at middle linebacker after working as a solid reserve the last two years. True freshman Sammy Brown is a name to watch at this position as well, with Kobe McCloud and Jamal Anderson also likely to factor into the mix for reps.

Clemson isn’t overly deep at the position, but their talent in the unit is ridiculous. There may be two first-round pick linebackers in this unit this season.

While the defensive line tends to get a lot of the hype, Clemson’s linebackers will once again be outstanding.