Linebackers routinely lead their team in tackles. The leading tackler on Clemson was Baylon Spector with 72 total tackles. It doesn’t seem like a lot of tackles in 12 games but when you take into consideration the number of players Clemson plays at linebacker, it’s not a bad number. Spector also had 10.5 tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks. He returns.

James Skalski and Mike Jones both missed a couple of games due to injury, but still had 44 and 30 tackles respectively. Skalski’s best quality is leadership, and is the QB on the defense. Mike Jones, Jr., took over the position held by All-world Isaiah Simmons and filled in admirably. They both return.

Freshman sensation Trenton Simpson had flashes of brilliance, registering 32 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss and chipping in with 4 sacks. His future’s so bright, you need sunglasses just to look at him. Jake Venables had a stellar season, especially filling in during Skalski’s absence, racking up 44 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks. Venables suffered a broken arm during the Virginia Tech game and missed the last three games. Both of these linebackers return.

The trio of Kane Patterson, Keith McGuire, and Lavonta Bentley are waiting their turn to step into bigger rolls. These three combined for 55 tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks (all by Bentley) and are ready to make an impact. All three of these guys are back. Kevin Swint and Sergio Allen are two promising freshmen waiting in the wings. All five return.

If it isn’t enough to have ten very solid linebackers returning on your defense, there are two stud linebackers coming in from the 2021 recruiting class. LB’s Jeremiah Trotter, Jr., and Barrett Carter are head hunters in their own right, and could come in and challenge this group for early playing time.

Count them. 12 linebackers competing for three starting positions in the spring. Returning starters Skalski, Jones and Spector are going to have their hands full holding on to their positions. The linebacker position is in great hands. Brent Venables has his work cut out for him finding playing time for all these guys.