Throughout the offseason, Rubbing The Rock will be taking a look at the members of Clemson football’s 2017 recruiting class who redshirted last fall. Today we’ll be examining linebacker, Baylon Spector.
Related Story: 2017 Redshirt Report: LeAnthony Williams Jr.
Baylon Spector (LB) Calhoun, Georgia:
Baylon Spector was one of the biggest surprises in Clemson’s 2017 recruiting class. Before he landed in Death Valley, Spector was a jack-of-all-trades on the high school level, playing safety, quarterback and wide receiver.
With him making the move to linebacker in college, the Tigers’ coaching staff expected there to be a transitional period.
Apparently, Spector had other plans. According to Post and Courier, Brent Venables stated the following of the freshman linebacker during the spring practice:
"Tough guy, easy to coach, very mature. A lot of guys they come in and they have to mature. He’s still maturing, but it was really effortless to coach him this spring, so I was really pleased on a lot of levels with Baylon."
Unfortunately for Spector a combination of depth on defense and nagging injuries during fall camp, kept him from seeing the field as a true freshman.
Strengths:
The first thing that comes to mind when you turn on Spector’s tape is versatility. You won’t see to many linebackers on the collegiate level capable of being the No. 1 wide receiver on their high school team.
Spector displays fluid movements in space, soft hands and impressive speed for somebody his size.
Brent Venables continues to load up his defense with athletic versatile players, especially at linebacker. Starting SAM linebacker this season, Dorian O’Daniel was an accomplished running back at Good Counsel high school in Olney, Maryland.
Spector’s natural gifts combined with his toughness and receptiveness to coaching make him an player to keep an eye on down the road.
Expectations in 2018:
Given the Tigers’ depth at linebacker, I’m not sure that Spector will get much playing time on defense. That being said, I expect him to be one of Clemson’s best special teams players next fall.
Performing well is one of the best ways to increase your chances at playing time, especially on defense. Guys like Tanner Muse and Chad Smith both cut their teeth in Death Valley on special teams. Spector can have that same kind of impact in 2018.
Next: 2018 Clemson Baseball Preview: Lineup, expectations.
Look for him to make a considerable jump this offseason, as it is his second full season playing linebacker.