Clemson Football’s 10 Most Valuable Players in 2014

Oct 25, 2014; Clemson, SC, USA; Clemson Tigers linebacker Stephone Anthony (42) sacks Syracuse Orange quarterback AJ Long (4) during the first quarter at Clemson Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joshua S. Kelly-USA TODAY Sports

It often felt like Stephone Anthony was everywhere this season.

Whenever the Tigers’ defense was on the field, Anthony seemed to be around every play. His name was probably called more than any others player’s on the defense.

Like so many of the Clemson defenders, Anthony’s stats probably suffered a bit thanks to the Tigers’ tendency to force opposing offenses from the field after just three plays. Still, they give you an idea of just how much of an impact he made this season.

Anthony led Clemson with 75 tackles (45 solo, 30 assisted) and finished third on the team in tackles for a loss (10.5) behind only Vic Beasley and Shaq Lawson. He also registered 2.5 sacks, one interception, three pass break-ups, four passes defended, five QB hurries, and two forced fumbles.

If you took all those numbers and doubled them, you might get a good idea of what he might have done on a less talented and efficient defense. After all, when Anthony was a junior last year, he finished with 131 tackles. It wasn’t Anthony’s play that kept him from piling up stats this season, there were simply fewer tackles to go around.

Fortunately, the ACC was able to look past the raw numbers, and rightfully placed him on the all-conference First Team at the conclusion of the regular season.

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