Linebackers
The Clemson linebacker group is the one position on this team that doesn’t have a lot of depth. Not only did the Tigers lose starters Baylon Spector and James Skalski, Jake Venables has decided to forego football and focus on his education and other opportunities. Kane Patterson, who was in line for more playing time this year, decided to transfer to Vanderbilt and play with his brother. With the personnel losses, the Tigers are short on numbers but not on talent.
Trenton Simpson logged 556 snaps, by far the most by a returning linebacker. He had 78 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, and 6 sacks, and will be counted on to lead this inexperienced group.
When Spector was unable to go in the bowl game against Iowa State due to injury, and Skalski got hurt in the 1st quarter, the Clemson depth had to step up. Sophomores LaVonta Bentley (6 tackles) and Keith Maguire (6 tackles) provided solid linebacker play in their absence. Freshmen Barrett Carter (2 tackles) and Jeremiah Trotter Jr. (6 tackles) came off the bench and made some big time plays. Both are ready to play major parts in 2022.
LB Sergio Allen, a 4-star coming into Clemson, has been hampered with injuries since he arrived at Clemson and the staff is hoping that can be put behind him, and he can finally get out on the field.
When Brent Venables left for Oklahoma, Clemson’s lone linebacker commitment decided to go with him and Clemson didn’t sign a linebacker in the first signing period. The Tigers, did however, sign 4-star LB TJ “Bull” Dudley. He originally committed to Oregon but decommitted on December 6th when Mario Cristobal departed for Miami. Dudley, for lack of better words, is big time. He helped lead his team, Montgomery Catholic Preparatory, to a 13-1 record, amassing 138 tackles, 29 tackles for loss, and two sacks. As a junior, Dudley was in on 126 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, and one sack. This is what’s called a “tackling machine.”
Another linebacker of interest is Clemson legacy Kobe McCloud. McCloud, brother of former Clemson WR Ray Ray McCloud, committed to FIU back in August 2021, but for whatever reason, did not sign with them in December. Playing for Tampa Gaither High School, McCloud totaled 70 tackles including 12 for loss and had three interceptions. He and Dudley will arrive in the fall and provide instant depth to the position.
In summary, Clemson has some very good young talent, but needs to add more sooner than later. Coach Wes Goodwin has one of the best defensive fronts in college football but linebacker is a little thin. This is a position to watch closely in the spring.
