CLEMSON — In only two seasons since his arrival, Sammy Brown is already a top defender for the Clemson Tigers.

Through the 2025 season so far, Brown leads the Clemson defense in tackles while adding multiple sacks, pass deflections, and, after Saturday’s 45-10 victory over Furman, an interception.

“It’s almost surreal,” Brown said. “That’s the first one I’ve had since senior year of high school. My first college interception, so I have to give all glory to the plan and the scheme that we had, because they put me in the right spot and the right position. I was just able to catch the ball.”

In the middle of the second quarter, Furman quarterback Trey Hedden dropped back and threw over the middle towards the right side of the field, where the ball soared until Brown popped in front and took it in the chest, taking it downfield to the Paladins’ own 22-yard line.

The interception was just one of the big plays Brown made against Furman, which also included a sack, two tackles for loss, and four total tackles. Game after game, the young defender has shown to be one of the stars of his unit, and head coach Dabo Swinney had nothing but praise for him after the contest.

“I thought Sammy Brown was just awesome,” Swinney said. “He is blossoming into what we all felt like he could become throughout his career. He had a really good freshman year, and he has built on that this year with more to come. So, I’m really proud of him.”

With the upcoming departure of senior Wade Woodaz following the end of the 2025 season, Brown will assume the position of top linebacker and a surefire leader of the defense. For now, he will look to make an impact against rival South Carolina Gamecocks next Saturday at noon.