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As Clemson ushers in a new era under defensive coordinator Tom Allen, all eyes are on sophomore linebacker Sammy Brown, a player Tiger fans hope will become the new cornerstone of the defense at linebacker.
Brown arrived last year with as much hype as any defensive prospect in recent memory at the position. The former five-star recruit out of Jefferson, Georgia, came to Clemson as a rare blend of size and athleticism—a linebacker with the power to shed blocks in the box and the speed to run with backs and tight ends in coverage. In 2024, Brown delivered on that promise immediately, recording 80 tackles and 5 sacks as a true freshman.
For most programs, a first-year player posting those numbers would simply be a promising start. At Clemson, they set the bar even higher. As Brown enters his sophomore season, the expectation is clear: step forward, become a leader, and help usher in a new standard for Tiger defense.
“Self-Scouting” and Offseason Growth
Brown has been open about his own journey of growth and self-evaluation this offseason. He identified two areas for improvement: block destruction and zone drop recognition. “Those were two things looking back last year, where I just feel like I really needed to work on it,” Brown said. “I took some time in the offseason, in the spring, and also over the summer just kind of self-scouting. Looking at games from last year, then looking at the spring and the practices. Just evaluating what I did good, what I did bad, and figuring out what I need to get better at.”
That personal drive, combined with Allen’s arrival, has created the perfect storm for Brown’s development. Allen’s defensive philosophy emphasizes simplified reads and aggressive pursuit, concepts that align with Brown’s athleticism and football IQ.
“He really focuses on your drops about keeping your eyes ready and making sure that you know what’s around you—not staring at the quarterback or staring straight at the receiver, just being able to feel what’s around you and break on the ball,” Brown explained.
Confidence and Leadership in Year Two
Last fall, Brown was learning on the fly, acclimating to the speed of college football and the demands of being the MIKE linebacker.
“Going into fall camp last year, it was like, I might know how to do this, I might not, but we’re going to see when it happens,” he reflected. “I’ve got pretty good confidence in what I’m doing and where I’m supposed to be. Once I’ve got that mastered, I can really focus more on being a leader and trying to bring other guys along.”
That increased confidence is already showing up in the linebacker room. The group, inspired by leaders like Ben Boulware and energized by Allen’s intensity, has adopted a new mentality. The group is now utilizing weight vests, similar to those used by Boulware and Company during his time at Clemson, in workouts, holding early morning film sessions, and maintaining a relentless drive for toughness and unity.
“We’re going to be tougher than everybody that we play, and we’re going to try to gain an edge in anything that we can do,” Brown said.
Off the field, the linebackers have also made a concerted effort to grow closer, with bonding activities ranging from fishing to rafting, according to the Peach State product.
“When you can relate to a guy off the field, it just makes you so much tighter on the field, because when I’m playing MIKE, I know that the guy next to me is my brother, and he is willing to die for me,” Brown said. “It just makes a world of difference.”
Poised for a Breakout
Brown’s production as a freshman, second on the team in sacks behind star defensive end T.J. Parker, already places him among the Tigers’ most impactful defenders. With All-ACC talent surrounding him up front, and Allen’s scheme designed to let linebackers play fast and free, Brown is in position to thrive.
| 2024 Clemson Sack Leaders | ||
| Player | Position | Sacks |
|---|---|---|
| T.J. Parker | Defensive End | 11 |
| Sammy Brown | Linebacker | 5 |
| Barrett Carter | Linebacker | 3.5 |
| Peter Woods | Defensive Tackle | 3 |
| Wade Woodaz | Linebacker | 3 |
The Tigers finished 37th nationally in sacks per game (2.5) and 24th in tackles for loss (6.9) last season. Brown’s continued development as both a run defender and a pass rusher will be crucial as Clemson looks to climb those rankings, win another ACC title, and return to the College Football Playoff.
As Brown put it, the journey is about taking it “one play, one series, one day, one hour—what you can do in that one moment to get better is what we’ve really been focusing on this offseason.”
If his freshman season was any indication, Brown is ready to set the standard for the next great Clemson defense.
