Breaking Down the Board: Linebackers

With the 2026 recruiting season in full swing and offers going out rapidly, here's an overview of where Clemson stands as they build out their offers at linebacker.

As Wes Goodwin enters his third season running the linebacker unit at Clemson, the Tigers might feature the fastest group he’s had since taking after Brent Venables took the Oklahoma job. Looking at the current roster, speculation is that five-star true freshman Sammy Brown will likely be a starter, along with veteran playmakers Barrett Carter and Wade Woodaz. The trio of linebackers should cause fits defensively, as each player appears incredibly versatile.

As for the current offers, Grayson High School’s Tyler Atkinson‍ is the real deal. At 6’2, 205 pounds, can fly all over the field and plays downhill with an intensity that coaches love. Atkinson has offers from all major programs, including Georgia, Alabama, Florida State, and many more. 

Atkinson is seen as a Georgia lean, although Clemson has incredible ties to the Grayson program. However, the Dawgs have had him on campus more times than anyone, and he will be a tough get for the Tigers.

Gainesville High’s Xavier Griffin‍ is another versatile playmaker, so much so that we included him on the list when we also discussed defensive ends. Griffin, capable of playing both defensive end and linebacker, told us recently that he hears from “everyone” on Clemson’s staff, but Goodwin talks with him the most.

“Seriously, Clemson has made sure everyone has reached out to show their excitement, but I talk to Coach Goodwin quite often! They are looking to play me at both positions,” Griffin noted in a recent conversation with ClemsonSportsTalk.com.

Another name to watch is Storm Miller‍, the younger brother of current Clemson tackle Blake Miller. Miller carries offers from Notre Dame, Ohio State, and Wisconsin, to name a few. The Tigers offered Miller during his visit to Dabo Swinney’s Camp this summer. 

Here’s a quick look at the current offers that the Tigers have put out linebacker.

LINEBACKERS

Tyler Atkinson‍ (⭐⭐⭐⭐)

• On3 Rating: 94.77
• Height/Weight: 6'2", 205 lbs
• High School: Grayson, Lawrenceville, GA

Thomas Davis Jr.‍ (⭐⭐⭐⭐)

• On3 Rating: 92.21
• Height/Weight: 6'2", 195 lbs
• High School: Weddington, Matthews, NC

Xavier Griffin‍ (⭐⭐⭐⭐)*

• On3 Rating: 93.3
• Height/Weight: 6'3"
• High School: Gainsville High, Gainesville, GA

Storm Miller‍ (⭐⭐⭐⭐)

• On3 Rating: 89.66
• Height/Weight: 6'3", 215 lbs
• High School: Strongville High, Strongsville, OH

Duyon Forkpa‍ 

• On3 Rating: No Rating
• Height/Weight: 6'2", 220 lbs
• High School: Mill Creek, Hoschton, GA

Stay tuned as we’ve got more coming in our Board Breakdown Series taking a look at the offered defensive backs in the 2026 class.

* - Also listed on the defensive end list