CLEMSON — As a program that is built around the idea of family, Clemson has many examples of the bonds that make it strong.

While growing and developing as a player alongside your teammates on the field is important, it is even greater to get to build a relationship off the field as well, and the Tigers place a large emphasis on that facet of family.

One of these friendships is evident in the pair of starting linebackers for Clemson, Wade Woodaz and Sammy Brown, and their chemistry in the game is just as good as their bond off the field.

“I definitely feel like Wade and I have made a connection on and off the field,” Brown said, “and that’s kind of what drives us.”

Brown and Woodaz are two of the top three tacklers on the team, combining for 44 total tackles across the first three games this season. A lot of the communication on the field, which leads to their play on defense, comes from their off the field friendship.

“We’re really good buddies, and we hang out all the time,” Brown said. “So, having that connection, you’re able to communicate more easily with him on the field.”

Brown explained to the media that their relationship, and the things that he and Wade do outside of the facility, aren’t anything extraordinary or complicated. Their connection has come simply and genuinely, and it appears that their clicking has made them a powerful duo to face off against on gameday.

“We just hang out. It’s not even really anything crazy, we’re just really good buddies,” Brown said. “Every time I see him in the facility, we just smile and look at each other. It’s just a fun little relationship.”

Brown and Woodaz will look to continue to fight alongside each other against Syracuse on Saturday (noon, ESPN) at Memorial Stadium.