Sammy Brown, Peter Woods make ESPN freshman All-America, sophomore breakout teams

Sammy Brown is slated to make an immediate impact in Clemson's defense.

Brandon Rink - Assoc. Editor / Staff Writer - Monday, August 19 2024

Two standout Clemson underclassmen were projected among the nation's best by ESPN.

ESPN released its freshman All-Americans over the weekend, naming 5-star linebacker Sammy Brown in that group.

"Brown has a chance to be the next James Skalski, only Brown is bigger, fast and stronger," ESPN's Tom Luginbill said. "Skalski was highly productive, but Brown adds superior athleticism to the mix. Brown has impressed going back to the spring. As he continues to learn the nuances of the scheme, he'll play faster, and he should be a mainstay in the middle of the defense by midseason."

Clemson faces another freshman on the list out of the gates with Georgia safety KJ Bolden.

In the sophomore breakouts, Peter Woods is Clemson's rep, who is projected to tally 65 tackles, 11 for loss, with 6.5 sacks.

"We believe the former No. 4 player in the 2023 class will show the trench dominance in Death Valley this fall that he showed for Thompson High School (Alabama) on the way to four state championships," ESPN's Billy Tucker said. "A rotational player last year, Woods still finished with 26 tackles and 2.5 tackles for loss for the Tigers. He entered college at 275 pounds, but he's now tipping the scales at 315 and looks even more explosive off the ball than he did as a high school All-American.

"Woods is a quick and agile player who can stack and shed while creating disruption to get after the passer. He had 29.5 sacks in high school and an impressive 72 tackles behind the line of scrimmage, showing his elite burst and motor. Expect plenty of disruption this fall and a career that will outproduce four-time All-ACC selection Clemson DT Tyler Davis."

Georgia linebacker Raylen Wilson also made the expected sophomore standouts, as well as South Carolina wide receiver Nyck Harbor.