Episode Details

Sammy Brown may be Clemson’s safest defensive star, but one elite linebacker does not make a complete linebacker room.

Morgan Thomas breaks down Clemson’s linebacker questions heading into the 2026 season. Brown is the proven centerpiece of Tom Allen’s defense, but Clemson needs more than one star in the middle. Kobe McCloud has to prove he can be a starter-level answer, Jeremiah Alexander has to turn his physical traits into consistent production, and the depth behind them has to hold up over a full season.

This episode also looks at how Clemson’s defensive tackle play affects the linebackers. If players like Vic Burley, Markus Strong, and Amare Adams can keep blockers off the second level, Brown, McCloud, and Alexander can play faster. If not, Clemson may spend too much of the season asking Sammy Brown to clean up problems created in front of him.

00:00 Clemson’s linebacker concerns around Sammy Brown
05:56 Sammy Brown against LSU’s run-pass conflict game
08:21 Why Clemson cannot ask Brown to do everything
13:10 Kobe McCloud’s chance to become a starter-level answer
15:34 Jeremiah Alexander and the second linebacker question
18:05 Why Clemson’s linebacker depth matters
22:50 Defensive tackle play is the hidden linebacker issue
24:51 Clemson’s defensive tackles vs. interior offensive lines

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