By William Qualkinbush.

By William Qualkinbush.

Just a few years ago, fans and commentators were lamenting the status of Clemson’s linebackers. Once recognized as one of several universities around the nation identified as “Linebacker U”, Clemson’s program has lacked athleticism, speed, quickness, versatility, and skill (read: “talent”) at the position for a number of years.

With the recruitment of five-star players Stephone Anthony and Tony Steward as part of the dynamite 2011 class, fans knew help was on the way. Impatience ruled the roost, at least as far as fans and media are concerned, but now both primetime prospects join each other in the starting lineup for the first time.

While the Tigers have wandered around in the wilderness at linebacker, the role of the position has changed quite a bit. As more teams employ spread offenses that feature barrelfuls of wide receivers, defenses have had to adapt. Nowadays, base formations regularly feature five defensive backs, meaning coordinators have sacrificed a linebacker to keep up with evolving offense.

The 4-3 is now a 4-2-5. The 3-4 is now a 3-3-5. Many teams, like Clemson, have adapted by creating a hybrid position that features a player with a certain skill set and body type. Brent Venables calls it the “nickel/SAM” position—a catchy title, for sure—and we’ll address it here, in homage to a bygone era when playing three linebackers at a time was a given.

Korrin Wiggins is slated to start at the spot. The sophomore was recruited as a safety and has a defensive back background. His 15 tackles, two interceptions, and two pass breakups don’t jump off the page, but his value comes in a different form. His dual ability to adequately play strong against the run and cover a range of potential receivers in space has endeared himself to the coaching staff.

His backups both came to Clemson as linebackers and have adjusted to the nickel/SAM role. Dorian O’Daniel and T.J. Burrell both possess good instincts and sit at around 210 pounds, a bit undersized for a traditional linebacker role. Burrell had five tackles last season while playing sparingly, whereas O’Daniel has yet to make an impact. O’Daniel is a Maryland native with a recruiting pedigree, while Burrell has been a bit under the radar. Both have the potential to be productive this season, but question marks abound, especially given the absence of injured veteran—and presumed starter—Travis Blanks.

Anthony is the straw that stirs the drink for this unit, maybe even for the entire Clemson defense. The North Carolinian leads all returners with 131 tackles and finished second on the team in tackles for loss (13.5) and sacks (4). He provides a calming element to the defense and has become adept at making sure the pieces are in place at the snap of the ball.

His backups are capable but untested. B.J. Goodson is the primary one. Among all of the linebackers in the Anthony-Steward class, Dabo Swinney insisted Goodson was the best of the bunch. He has failed to live up to that promise so far, although no fan would consider him a disappointment. Goodson appeared in seven games last year, four more than fellow backup Kellen Jones. The capable transfer from Oklahoma has battled injuries throughout his collegiate career but remains a viable option should an emergency arise.

Steward mans the weakside role, referred to as the “WILL” linebacker. He has paid his dues, with multiple knee injuries dating back to high school and setbacks following progress derailing every attempt to climb up the depth chart. Now a healthy Steward will try to make his mark and build on a season that saw him rack up 37 tackles in 167 snaps—an absurd rate that would rank him among the best in the country. He certainly possesses the skill set to be successful, but he will have to hold off some stiff competition for snaps.

Sophomore Ben Boulware might be the fan favorite. The Anderson native made an impact last season, particularly on special teams. He even managed to get ejected during the Florida State game. There will be some clamoring for Boulware to see playing time, and there is no doubt he could capably man either main linebacker spot—at least for a short while.

The Tigers have a talented linebacking corps that can make most plays on the football field and can withstand a possible injury or two, but nothing more. It’s not Linebacker U yet, but it’s getting closer.

God Bless!

WQ