A couple of former Clemson linebackers balled out in NFL preseason action this weekend.
Jeremiah Trotter Jr. and Trenton Simpson shined while leading their respective defensive units during the Philadelphia Eagles-Baltimore Ravens preseason contest in Baltimore.
Trotter Jr. tallied five total tackles and registered a sack for the Eagles in their 16-13 win, while Simpson stood out for the Ravens defensively with a game-high 11 total tackles, including a game-high five solo tackles.
Simpson, a third-round pick (86th overall) of Baltimore in the 2023 NFL Draft, is expected to take on a starting linebacker role for the Ravens this season following the departure of former Raven and current Pittsburgh Steeler Patrick Queen.
Trotter Jr. was selected by the Eagles in the fifth round (No. 155 overall) of this yearβs NFL Draft after finishing his Clemson career (2021-23) with 202 tackles, 29.5 tackles for loss, 13 sacks, 13 pass breakups, three forced fumbles and four interceptions, including two returned for touchdowns.
Trotter Jr. continues to wear the No. 54, carrying on the legacy of his father, Eagles Hall of Fame linebacker Jeremiah Trotter Sr., who sported the same number across all three of his stints with the team.
Jeremiah Trotter Jr. with a great play to force the punt! pic.twitter.com/faBn4sVobi
— πππ-ππππ π¦ ππππ ππππππ (@Eaglesfans9) August 10, 2024
Jeremiah Trotter Jr since coming in has a sack, 4 total tackles including one on punt return
Sound familiar? #54
pic.twitter.com/NEeLzlnptt— John Clark (@JClarkNBCS) August 10, 2024
Only the beginning for 5οΈβ£4οΈβ£@TrotterJr54 | #FlyEaglesFly pic.twitter.com/eD6SJ94Ozl
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) August 10, 2024
Trenton Simpson with 7 tackles in the first quarter alone. Sheesh. Looks so so so good. So good. Might cop a jersey good. pic.twitter.com/7JznjQZfaO
— Spencer Schultz (@ravens4dummies) August 10, 2024
Trenton Simpson showed physicality, processed some basic runs quickly and consistently took on blockers. He will probably end up being a bit green as a spot dropper at first, but with reps he will get quicker there.
Fun, physical, smart young linebacker. pic.twitter.com/aXLorl7Xnz
— Spencer Schultz (@ravens4dummies) August 10, 2024
Trenton Simpson had himself a night against the Eagles in the Ravens' 2024 preseason opener pic.twitter.com/CZEqPavq8q
— Kevin Oestreicher (@koestreicher34) August 10, 2024
–Photo courtesy Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
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