Tuesday July 11, 2006

Clemson Linebacker Preview

Clemson Linebacker Preview

There was a time from the late 1970s to the early 1990s where Clemson had as many top-notch linebackers as any program in the country. Starting in 1976 when Randy Scott and Bubba Brown patrolled the middle for the Tigers, Clemson began a great tradition that continues today. Eleven times Clemson linebackers have been named All-American in the last 25 years. Jeff Davis was the ACC player of the year in 1981. Keith Adams was the ACC defensive player of the year in 1999 as was Leroy Hill in 2004. In the last 30 years, Clemson has had 35 All-ACC selections at linebacker. The names are a who’s who in Clemson history: Scott, Brown, Davis, Andy Headen, Johnny Rembert, Edgar Pickett, Henry Walls, Terrence Mack, Jesse Hatcher, Doug Brewster, John Johnson, Levon Kirkland, Ed McDaniel, Ashley Sheppard, Tim Jones, Wardell Rouse, Anthony Simmons, Rahim Abdullah, Adams, Chad Carson and Hill.

I would say Anthony Simmons may have been the best linebacker but Jeff Davis is the most valuable player in Clemson football history. As I have said before in this blog and on my radio show, The Judge ran that national title team. He kept everyone in line and there was no doubt who the leader was.

Today, Clemson has the same scenario. Anthony Waters is the leader of this football team. The Tigers can look to others as leaders as well. I think the senior offensive linemen, Will Proctor, Chansi Stuckey and Gaines Adams can be looked at as leaders also but this is Anthony Waters’ football team.

Waters is a very good player also. He is big and physical. He is a smart player that understands his role. Waters does not just talk the talk. He led the Tigers with 109 tackles a year ago. He is the physical run stopping middle linebacker after the snap. Before the snap he is the engine. No one plays with more enthusiasm. In the weight room, no one holds someone more accountable than Waters. It is 2006 but if you missed the last 25 years you might have thought that Jeff Davis is still in uniform.

Nick Watkins had a very good season last year. Watkins is the Tigers best coverage linebacker. He plays in space very well. The defense is not set up for him to make as many plays but he takes care of his responsibilities and can be counted on.

Tremaine Billie needs to rebound in 2006. Billie had a good season but has the potential to be even more. The staff wants more out of Billie and thinks he can have a huge season this year. He is the fastest of the linebackers on campus.

Antonio Clay was moved to SAM linebacker to push Billie. Clay made the transition well and will continue to increase his role. Last year Clay played 185 snaps but I think that number could double this season. Clay also needs to understand the sense of urgency but he is starting to become a more consistent player.

Josh Miller only played 73 snaps from scrimmage last season but he will at least double that this coming season. Miller is a high character kid that needed to play last season. He was very inexperienced at linebacker but grew up as a player. I think Miller has the potential to be one of the next leaders on this team.

One of the biggest surprises from last year’s group of red-shirt freshman is Kavell Conner. The converted running back impressed coaches with his strength and speed. I think he will battle for the starting middle linebacker role after Waters leaves the program.

Cortney Vincent played Bandit as a red-shirt freshman last season but has moved back to his natural position of middle linebacker. Vincent has a great motor but is also very inexperienced at his new position. It should be an important spring for him after this season.

Maurice Nelson was a highly thought of prospect that has not lived up to his billing so far in his career. But Nelson had his best spring and is now fighting Josh Miller for some more snap at SAM.

Of the incoming freshmen on defense, I think Kevin Alexander may be the one that is most ready to play. Alexander is a multi-talented linebacker that could play inside or outside. However, I think he will grow into a middle linebacker and have a chance to be a three-year starter down the road.

Clemson already has two speedster committed to play linebacker in the recruiting class of 2007 with Lake City’s Scotty Cooper and Byrnes’ Stanley Hunter. The staff would like to sign one more linebacker in the upcoming class but can afford to be very picky with their final commitment.

The ACC has some very good linebackers but I don’t believe the Tiger staff would trade theirs for any in the league. This group has several things going for it but leadership may be its best attribute. As a group they tackle well, pursue well and play in space well. This group has experience and youth. It has proven players and potential. It is a good mix of upper classmen and newcomers. Two excellent coaches lead this linebacking corps.

In summary, I think this may be the best linebacker unit at Clemson since the great group in 1991.

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