Clemson Football: 5 Tigers with something to prove in 2020 offseason

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GLENDALE, ARIZONA – DECEMBER 28: Isaiah Simmons #11 of the Clemson Tigers is congratulated by his teammates after an interception against the Ohio State Buckeyes in the second half during the College Football Playoff Semifinal at the PlayStation Fiesta Bowl at State Farm Stadium on December 28, 2019 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images) /

3. Mike Jones Jr.

Isaiah Simmons is gone and that leaves a giant hole in the Clemson football linebacker core.

Mike Jones Jr. redshirted his first season and played a decent amount of snaps last season as Simmons’ back-up. Now, he’ll be given the first shot at taking over the vacant position.

Jones Jr. has the athleticism and versatility, as well as the physicality, to fill the role nicely, but will he rise to occasion? Will he be able to battle off guys like Baylon Spector or incoming freshman Trenton Simpson? There are also a plethora of redshirt freshmen and sophomores looking to compete for playing time who could fill that spot.

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