As Clemson defensive coordinator Wes Goodwin put it, he saw the “wheels turning” for Sammy Brown at the beginning of spring ball. The touted true freshman had a lot to process and plenty on his plate as far as learning to play linebacker in the Tigers’ defense.

But now, as spring practice nears the finish line with the April 6 spring game approaching, “things are slowing down” for Brown according to Goodwin – who is pleased with the improvement he’s seen from the former five-star prospect over the course of the spring.

“Every day, he’s gotten better,” Goodwin said of Brown following Wednesday’s scrimmage. “I talk about different phases of the spring – go back and look at yourself day one and look at yourself now, day 10 compared to day five or whatever – and every day, he’s gotten better and better.

“Playing linebacker in today’s world, it’s a lot to process, a lot to learn. Early on, you see the wheels turning, and now things are slowing down. He’s becoming more fluid and more comfortable and more confident quarterbacking the defense and running the show out there when he’s getting his opportunity.”

Brown, a former consensus top-35 national prospect, enrolled at Clemson in January with no shortage of hype and excitement surrounding him. The 6-foot-2, 235-pounder is strong, athletic and has all the makings of a linebacker that can make an early impact for the Tigers this fall.

Goodwin said Brown has been making plays in the scrimmages Clemson has had this spring.

“Definitely. He’s been productive for sure,” Goodwin said. “He shows up and just consistently every day has gotten better.”

An all-state selection each of his last three seasons at Jefferson (Ga.) High School, Brown amassed 153 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, three blocked kicks and two interceptions as a senior. He posted outstanding numbers as a running back during his prep career as well, finishing with 4,491 rushing yards and 68 rushing touchdowns.

The highly decorated Brown was named the nation’s top all-around athlete by MaxPreps for his success in football, wrestling and track, and was named as the No. 1 “Freak Athlete” in the nation by 247Sports. He received the 2023 High School Butkus Award, presented each year to the top high school linebacker in the nation, and also won the All-American Bowl’s Defensive Player of the Year award among other honors.

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