By Will Vandervort.
Today we continue our countdown on who are Clemson’s Most Important Players for 2014.
Don’t get this confused by who are the best. Some of these guys on the list might be the best at their respected positions, but this list concentrates on which players are the most important to the Tigers’ overall success this coming fall.
This list takes into account Clemson’s strengths and weaknesses, depth at certain positions and the importance at each position.
7. Tony Steward, 6-1, 230, Sr. – Steward is a talented linebacker who has not fully lived up the hype when he signed as a five-star recruit four years ago. However, it’s not like he has had much of a chance, either. The talented linebacker has been hampered by injury after injury during most of his career at Clemson. The 2013 season was his best year to date as he totaled 37 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss and one sack. He also started eight games on special teams, which proves his eagerness to want to help his team in any way that he can. For the first time in his career, Steward played in all 13 games this past year. He will be vying for the starting spot at weakside linebacker.
Why is he vital? Steward brings experience and leadership to a linebacking corps that has to replace Spencer Shuey, who graduated. Shuey was the leader of the defense last year both on and off the field. He finished second behind Anthony with 119 tackles, and as defensive coordinator Brent Venables described, he was a coach on the field. Steward’s ability to fight through difficult times can be an asset on the defense this year because he has already gained the respect of his teammates thanks to his “never give up” attitude.
Quotable: “This is a great opportunity for him. He’s been through it, he’s persevered and he’s come out stronger. I love his work ethic, and where he is right now physically and mentally. It does your heart good to see a guy like that fight, scratch, claw and persevere.” – Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney
Best case: Steward comes out and has a career season. He finishes the year ranked second behind Anthony in tackles and causes a few more plays like he did against Boston College last year when he recorded a strip-sack on BC quarterback Chase Rettig, which defensive end Vic Beasley picked up and returned for a touchdown. With Steward in the fold and playing like the Blue Chip player he was expected to be, the Tigers become even better on defense than expected.
Worst Case: Steward struggles to make plays and ultimately loses his job to sophomore linebacker Ben Boulware. Though Boulware is a playmaker, he doesn’t yet have the leadership and experience necessary and the Tigers struggle somewhat at the second level. Steward continues to help the team the best he can, but his leadership, through his experiences, is missed on the field during key situations.
Final word: Steward has been through a lot. After suffering a torn ACL his senior year in high school, he fought back to play in five games as a freshman before another torn ACL to the other knee sidelined him for the rest of the year and the spring. He missed two spring practices early in his career, which really set back his progress. He has since made his way on to the field, mostly in special teams. Swinney and Venables say the weakside position is his to lose coming out of the spring. Steward is a good kid, who personally, I would like to see succeed because he works hard and has fought his way back when most would have given up.