Clemson lost six linebackers from the 2018-19 defense, including Tre Lamar, who declared for the NFL Draft following his junior season, and Shaq Smith, who transferred to Maryland after his redshirt sophomore year.
But the good news for defensive coordinator Brent Venables and the Tigers is that they have brought in five talented true freshmen linebackers from the 2019 recruiting class, including LaVonta Bentley, Keith Maguire, Kane Patterson, Greg Williams and Bryton Constantin, all of whom enrolled this summer.
Venables is ready to coach them up in fall camp and hopes they’ll be ready to contribute in some capacity this season.