Clemson Football: 5 Tigers with the most to gain in spring practice

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TAMPA, FL – JANUARY 09: Linebacker Shaq Smith #5 of the Clemson Tigers celebrates after quarterback Deshaun Watson #4 (not pictured) threw a 2-yard game-winning touchdown pass to wide receiver Hunter Renfrow #13 (not pictured) during the fourth quarter against the Alabama Crimson Tide to win the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship Game 35-31 at Raymond James Stadium on January 9, 2017 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

2. Shaq Smith

Back to linebackers, Shaq Smith also has an opportunity for a big spring.

Smith has patiently waited his turn, but certainly hasn’t lived up to expectations so far. He was a consensus 5-star linebacker coming out of high school, but hasn’t been able to earn basically any meaningful playing time so far.

That could all change in 2019.

Smith is penciled in as the starter at WILL linebacker, but it will be up to him to have a good spring and win the position.

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