Coming into last season, the linebacker corp for Clemson where not expected to be above average. Once, Spencer Shuey emerged as a starter the group was very impressive. He's back and so is Stephone Anthony and Quandon Christian and depth chart full of talented linebackers itching for playing time.
Weakside-Stephone Anthony will move from middle linebacker to the weakside linebacker this season. The weakside is his more natural position but he was needed on the field last season. He should be able to play more instinctually. Pushing him will be Tony Steward and Oklahoma transfer Kellen Jones. Thusfar, Steward has not lived up to the hype of his recruitment due to injury. He's hoping to be 100% this season and could turn into a star. Jones spent last season on the scout team and impressed coaches. He now gets to play on gameday and plays all over the field with a nonstop motor.
Middle-Spencer Sheuy will be the starting middle linebacker after being very impressive the latter half of last season. He was the 2nd leading tackler after being a backup the first half of the season. Sheuy is a very good run stopper and made the Tigers good at defending the run once he got the opportunity to start. Freshmen, Ben Boulware and Dorian O'Daniel will battle for to be the backup. Boulware impressed in his high school all star games and was the best player on the field in those games. He is a playmaker and is everywhere on the field. O'Daniel is a good athlete and could stand to add a few pounds. Don't confuse that with him not being strong enough. Regardless of his weight, O'Daniel will be just fine.
Strongside-Strongside linebacker will once again be played by Quandon Christian. Christain hasn't piled up a huge amount of tackles but is a good contributor and has plenty of experience. He is also solid as a pass defender. Behind Christian there is a lack of experience and high profile talent. Redshirt Freshman TJ Burrell will backup Christian. Burrell has showed some signs that he could be a big time defensive factor. Marcus Bullard can also contribute but like Burrell, he lacks experience.
Projected Depth Chart
Weakside Linebacker: Stephone Anthony
Backups: Tony Steward and Kellen Jones
Middle Linebacker: Spencer Shuey
Backups: Ben Bowlware and Dorian O'Daniel
Strongside Linebacker: Quandon Christian
Backups: TJ Burrell and Marcus Bullard
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