‘Meathead University’: Sammy Brown, Clemson Linebackers Buy into Boulware’s Mentality
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Sammy Brown sat down with the media after Clemson’s first spring practice of 2025, carrying the weight of expectations that come with being a former five-star prospect. Now a sophomore, Brown is expected to play a significant role in the Tigers' defense under new coordinator Tom Allen, and he already feels the impact of his new coach’s presence.
"It's been great," Brown said of Allen. "It's funny, he kind of acts a lot like my dad and the things that he says. He's a motivator. He says the right things. Sometimes we get out of the segment with him, I'm like, golly, I wanna run through a brick wall right now. He's really intelligent. He explains all of the reasoning for what he does really well. So it's just been really good."
That energy, Brown noted, has been contagious among Clemson’s linebackers. Allen has instilled a sense of urgency and camaraderie in the group, preaching a brotherhood mentality that resonates deeply.
"It's just like you're playing for your brother. You're playing for the guy right next to you," Brown said. "It's just stuff that you see on this inspirational video on Instagram, honestly. It's just stuff that really gets you going."
That mindset will be key as Brown works out with a competitive linebacker corps that includes CJ Kubah-Taylor and Dee Crayton battling for playing time. While Brown took reps wearing the green dot helmet used for communication in practice, he knows nothing is set in stone.
"I think today I had it, but I don't think there's any final decision on that," he said. "Me, CJ, and Dee all had it today, but I just think it's gonna be one of those things that we play by ear."
Alongside Allen, former Clemson linebacker Ben Boulware will now coach the position he played, bringing his signature intensity to the unit. Brown has already embraced Boulware’s relentless approach.
"It's been awesome. He's just a meathead, that's all I can say," Brown said with a laugh. "I think our group chat for the linebackers is called Meathead University. I mean, he's gonna push us as hard as he can. I think he said in one of his press conferences, he's dragging us out in the deep water. When we come out, we're gonna be men, so it's been really fun."
Beyond the physical grind, Boulware’s experience as a former Tiger standout has provided valuable insight to Brown and his teammates.
"I just think it's really good to have the perspective of him being such a great player here," Brown said. "He knows the game, he knows offenses, he knows the defense. So he gives you that perspective where you're like, you've done this before, I trust you."
After a freshman season that saw him earn key reps, Brown feels more comfortable in his role. The challenges of learning a new defensive system remain, but the overwhelming adjustment period of college football has passed.
"It's definitely been a little easier," Brown said. "Now, I really gotta focus more on my academics. It's been a tough semester—I can't lie—but we're gonna lock in. It's been really good to have everything slow down. I'm not stressing out about trying to know what's going on. I kind of have an understanding of it now, even with the new defense, I’ve got my hands around it, so it's been good."
With a year under his belt, Brown isn’t looking back—only forward. He’s aware of the infamous "sophomore slump" and is determined to avoid it.
"Just take another step forward," he said. "There's the infamous sophomore slump that everybody has, and I wanna avoid that at all costs. So just never being satisfied with what I did last year, that's in the past. I'm not gonna be able to do that again. So all I can do is take another step forward."
Clemson will need Brown to be a difference-maker in Allen’s aggressive defensive scheme. If his early impressions are any indication, Brown is ready to embrace that challenge head-on.
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