CLEMSON, S.C. — Clemson's veteran linebackers are taking notice of the new guy in the room.
Barrett Carter and Wade Woodaz, both upperclassmen expected to start in 2024, had high praise for freshman Sammy Brown after Friday's practice.
Carter highlighted Brown's work ethic and his eagerness to learn.
"The kid is special, to say the least," Carter said. "He's gifted. But what I like about Sammy is that he is very aware that football is such a mental game. I feel like, especially for me, I did not know that, but I learned quickly that it was. But Sammy has been hungry to learn, eager to learn. He spends so much extra time, besides what we have mandatory, just trying to learn the plays. Coming to me, asking me questions and just really trying to dive into the defense and learn what he needs to know. He is going to be special. I am really impressed with how smart he is."
Carter also commended Brown's physical abilities.
"First of all, he is strong as an ox. He is so strong," Carter said. "He has great agility, he can run. He is what you want, a prototypical linebacker. He's fast, physical, he can get off blocks, can tackle. He is going to knock you back when he tackles you. It's been really fun to watch him come out here and compete and I am excited to keep watching him grow and develop. He's definitely going to be special for us."
Brown, a consensus five-star prospect, was the High School Butkus Award winner and named the 5A Defensive Player of the Year and Mr. Football in Georgia.
Woodaz quickly saw why Brown received so many accolades.
"He is a machine in the weight room and on the field," Woodaz said. "Just steady Eddie. Never gets tired, never phased. He is a great addition to the room. He makes all of us better by pushing us because this dude is 18 years old walking in, stronger than most of us. It is another person to compete with. Me and Barret compete with each other all the time and now we compete with him. But yeah, he is a great addition to our room and he is definitely going to add some depth to our room."
Woodaz also had some lighthearted advice for the freshman.
"I told him he should get a buzz cut," Woodaz said, laughing. "It is his signature look but I think if he went from a mullet to a buzz cut that would be pretty funny."
Despite the humor, Woodaz is impressed with Brown's progress at one of the most challenging positions on defense.
"He is catching on pretty quick, which is impressive," Woodaz said. "Coming in two, three months ago, that is great for us. Because learning MIKE in the defense is pretty tough. Learning how to set the front, and all the little intricacies, but he is picking up on it well. He's showing good progress."
If you want to place your bet for the NBA, NHL, MLB, College Football or any other sporting events, go to BetOnline.ag and enter the code ACTTV for a 50% welcome bonus up to $1000. with the earliest lines, biggest bets, and fastest payouts, Betonline.ag is the place to go. Don't forget to use the code ACTTV*!*
The staff at AllClemsonTigers.com will continue to bring you free access to news stories, features, press conferences, recruiting mailbags and game recaps, but Death Valley Domain offers something else.
Want to know more about what’s going on behind the scenes and get exclusive scoops surrounding the team? Snag that membership today and keep up with everything going on around Clemson athletics, a monthly subscription of $4.99 gets you all this and more.
Want to save $10? Sign up for an entire year for just $49.99 right now.
►LIKE us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/allclemson
►SUBSCRIBE: https://www.youtube.com/c/AllClemson
►FOLLOW All Clemson on Twitter:https://twitter.com/All_Clemson