Looking Ahead is a feature The Clemson Insider releases from time to time to take a look at where the Tigers stand with targets in the 2019 class.

In this article, we look at some of Clemson’s linebacker prospects:

Owen Pappoe, Loganville, Ga. (Grayson High):

Pappoe cut his list of more than 40 offers down to 10 in the spring before further narrowing the field in late October. The nation’s top 2019 linebacker named Clemson, Georgia and Nebraska his top three schools, in no order. After releasing his finalists, Pappoe explained to TCI why Clemson made his cut. “They have always been one of my top schools,” he said. “I respect all the coaches there and what they have done the past couple of years, and also I believe I would be set up for success, not just on the field but academically as well.”

Area recruiter Mickey Conn — Pappoe’s former head coach at Grayson — and defensive coordinator Brent Venables are heading his recruitment for the Tigers. Clemson has made him a priority in the next cycle, and Pappoe said he was hearing from the coaches “every other day.”

Pappoe’s recruiting process began when he was still in middle school, so he is eager to wrap up his recruitment and his decision expected to come sooner than later. Clemson is Georgia’s biggest competition, though as it stands right now it would come as a surprise if he left the Peach State.

Pappoe at The Opening Charlotte camp in May

Steele Chambers, Roswell, Ga. (Blessed Trinity High):

Chambers visited Clemson for the Auburn game in September before picking up an offer from the Tigers in October. He subsequently returned to Clemson for the Florida State game this month. The four-star told us after the visit that it allowed him to get a better feel for what Clemson is about. “I now understand more about where they see me fitting in on defense and more about the academic standards followed at Clemson,” he said.

Chambers (6-2, 215) plays on both sides of the ball for Blessed Trinity and is being recruited by some schools as a running back, but Clemson offered him as a linebacker. Michigan, Ohio State, Penn State and Stanford are among those on his list of more than a dozen offers.

Besides Clemson, Chambers went to Georgia Tech, Ohio State, South Carolina and Stanford this season. Clemson sits well with Chambers, who said the Tigers are “definitely in my top 5.”

Chambers during visit to Clemson for the Auburn game on Sept. 9

Drake Thomas, Wake Forest, N.C. (Heritage High):

Like Chambers, Thomas visited Clemson for the Florida State game this month. It marked his first game-day visit to Clemson, and he left very impressed by the new facility and atmosphere in Death Valley. Thomas spent time with area recruiter Robbie Caldwell and also met with Venables and head coach Dabo Swinney in Swinney’s office before the game. “They really like the way I play and feel Clemson would be a good fit for me,” Thomas told TCI after the visit.

Thomas (6-1, 225) formally received an offer from Clemson in late August. His offer sheet also includes Michigan, Michigan State, N.C. State, Virginia Tech and West Virginia among others.

Thomas has yet to unveil a list of favorites but told us he holds Clemson in high regard. He visited Virginia Tech, N.C. State, North Carolina and Duke this season, as well.

Thomas with his mother during visit to Clemson for the FSU game on Nov. 11

Brandon Smith, Mineral, Va. (Louisa County High):

Smith, a top-100 prospect in the 2019 class, received an offer from Clemson over the summer after visiting Clemson in the spring. He is being pursued by many of the nation’s best programs, with Alabama, Georgia, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Penn State, Virginia Tech and Wisconsin just some of the schools on his offer list.

Smith (6-4, 215) is rated as a defensive end by some recruiting services, but Venables likes him as a linebacker. Venables recently communicated with Smith about setting up another visit to Clemson, and Smith told us he intends to get back on campus.

Smith plans to sit down with his family after his season to discuss his recruitment. He told TCI that the Tigers will be one of his top schools moving forward.

Smith with Brent Venables during visit to Clemson in March

Among other linebackers in the 2019 class we’re keeping an eye on are Bradenton (Fla.) IMG Academy’s Mikel Jones, Deerfield Beach (Fla.)’s Ge’Mon Eaford, Baltimore (Md.) St. Frances Academy’s Shane Lee, Savannah (Ga.) Islands’ Kalen DeLoach and Saint Louis (Mo.) Trinity Catholic’s Shammond Cooper.