Clemson football will be looking to replace two starting linebackers and a couple in the two-deep from last year’s National Championship team.
The Clemson football team will be replacing several key players from last year’s National Championship team.
At linebacker, the Tigers will have to look for guys that can step up and replace the production given by Kendall Joseph, Tre Lamar and the Davis twins last season.
Both Joseph and Lamar provided experience for the Tigers in that second level of the defense. Without those two guys, especially, Clemson football will need players to step in and contribute at a high level.
Fortunately for the Tigers, the cupboard is not bare and there is talent on the roster.
Following the spring, the linebacker picture is beginning to become a little clearer.
Linebacker Picture:
You have one returning starter in the linebacker core from last year that is going to be relied upon to be a leader and top player for the Tigers on the 2019 defense. That is Isaiah Simmons.
Simmons plays that Nickel/SAM position and does a really good job of stuffing the run and hanging with guys in pass-coverage, as well.
Right now, the penciled-in starters at the other two linebacker spots are James Skalski (MIKE) and Shaq Smith (WILL).
Smith was a 5-star prospect coming into Clemson football, but hasn’t been able to get on the field very much other than special teams during his career. This spring, though, he proved to be a leader and seemingly was much improved.
After those guys, you have the likes of Chad Smith, Jake Venables, Baylon Spector and Mike Jones Jr. to provide depth. The Tigers also have several true-freshmen coming into the program this summer that could compete for playing time if some of the veterans don’t step up.
One guy I’m excited to see, especially, is Mike Jones Jr. He was very athletic in the spring game and could be a solid option to backup Isaiah Simmons at that SAM/Nickel spot.