USA TODAY names Sammy Brown the 2024 HSSA Defensive Player of the Year

Clemson linebacker Sammy Brown (47) during Clemson football practice at Jervey Meadows in Clemson, S.C. Wednesday August 7, 2024.
Clemson linebacker Sammy Brown (47) during Clemson football practice at Jervey Meadows in Clemson, S.C. Wednesday August 7, 2024. / Ken Ruinard / staff / USA TODAY NETWORK
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More accolades are coming in for Freshman linebacker Sammy Brown. After being named Preseason Impact Freshman of the Year by the College Football network, Brown was named the 2024 USA TODAY HSSA National Defensive Football Player of the Year.

Brown earned the honor after an incredible senior season at Jefferson High School. He recorded 153 tackles, 80 solo, 12 tackles for loss, a sack, two interceptions, and three blocked punts. It was good enough for the 6-foot-2-inch, 235-pounder to win the 2023 High School Butkus Award for the best LB in the country.

He was also no slouch on offense, racking up 2,289 yards and 41 touchdowns on his way to the semifinals of the Georgia 5A playoffs and a 13-1 record.

Clemson landed the former five-star prospect late in the 2024 cycle, picking the Tigers after official visits to Oklahoma, Ohio State, Georgia, and Tennessee. He was ranked No. 19 in the nation, No. 2 LB, and No. 2 player in Georgia by 247 Sports Composite.

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