CLEMSON – Linebacker is the position that Clemson may be the strongest in. The concern is that the pair of Jeremiah Trotter Jr. and Barrett Carter could be headed to the NFL after this season.

The good news is the Tigers are on the recruiting trail to find the next stars at the position. 2025 four-star linebacker Brett Clatterbaugh was in attendance for Clemson’s win over Notre Dame and he spoke to The Clemson Insider after his visit.

Clatterbaugh holds 19 Division-I offers, and the Tigers joined that list back in June during an unofficial visit. He’s built a connection with defensive coordinator and linebackers coach Wes Goodwin, and that’s been crucial in his recruitment. The two talked about this year’s team, as well as now Clatterbaugh would fit into the future.

“The message was they’re still playing our for each other, they still have goals in mind. They’re gonna accomplish goals, and that I could fill in, fit in well for them, and help them now. One of the best defenses in the country. And you know, that meant a lot,” Clatterbaugh said.

The Eastern View (Va.) standout said that the lineage of great Clemson linebackers in the last decade plays a heavy role, and he wants to “strive to be the best.”

He was a part of the postgame celebration in the locker room, and spoke highly of thr speech from head coach Dabo Swinney. As his recruitment continues, Clatterbaugh has the tigers very high on his list.

“Clemson has always been up there. They’re staying up there for me. You know, I kind of have two schools, couple of schools in mind, right now. haven’t released anything yet. But that ought to be shortly, but they’re definitely up there,” Clatterbaugh said.

Clatterbaugh plans to release a list of his top schools after his junior season is over, and it’s expected that the Tigers will be very high on it. Next summer is the plan for him to make a decision, and Clemson is battling for the top spot in the running for Clatterbaugh’s talents.