Clemson Football: 5 Emerging Stars for the 2018 Season

3. Isaiah Simmons

Isaiah Simmons, a redshirt sophomore, is a guy that has gotten “starter snaps,” but has never actually been a “full-time starter.”

This season, he will be just that and much more.

Right now, Simmons is listed as the starter at the SAM linebacker spot and at Nickel Back.

He’s going to be asked to do a lot.

Simmons will be in on run-stopping, but will also be tasked with covering some of the best receivers on opposing offenses.

He will be tasked with replacing Dorian O’Daniel and I think you’ll see him do that. Simmons is more athletic, in fact, than O’Daniel, and I think his ability to cover receivers and high football IQ will help him become a star on this Clemson defense in 2018.