Former Clemson Tigers Star Linebackers Recognized For Historic Freshman Season

The tradition of excellence at Clemson University is not limited to any one position or area of the field. Over the years, the Clemson Tigers have produced a plethora of NFL-caliber talent, and many of their standout players come from the heart of the defense: linebacker. Historically, Clemson’s linebackers have been integral to the team’s defensive schemes, playing a pivotal role in the Tigers’ rise to dominance in the ACC and on the national stage. As the program looks ahead to another promising season, there is a particular focus on linebackers — especially those who made an immediate and indelible impact in their freshman seasons.

Some of the most celebrated players in Clemson history have been its linebackers. From Isaiah Simmons to Ben Boulware, Clemson has been home to some of the most feared and respected linebackers in college football. But as the next generation of Tigers stars continues to evolve, a handful of former freshmen are already carving out their legacies, with their early success providing a glimpse into their potential futures.

This article recognizes the former Clemson linebackers who, in their freshman seasons, made an unforgettable impression on the field. It looks back at their remarkable performances, how their individual achievements shaped the trajectory of Clemson football, and why they have since been recognized as cornerstones of the program’s storied defensive legacy.

Isaiah Simmons: A Once-in-a-Generation Talent

One of the most significant linebacker talents in recent college football history, Isaiah Simmons, made an immediate impact in his freshman season for the Clemson Tigers in 2016. Though Simmons’ true freshman year was not defined by a singular breakthrough moment, his development throughout his time at Clemson was meteoric. By his sophomore and junior years, he had become one of the most versatile and dynamic players in college football, but it was his early days in Clemson’s linebacker corps that laid the foundation for his remarkable career.

Simmons was recruited by Dabo Swinney and his staff as an athlete, showcasing his versatility and athleticism. Initially, Simmons spent time in multiple roles, including safety, linebacker, and even at times, as a hybrid player in various defensive schemes. This was a testament to his unique skill set — an ability to cover ground quickly, cover receivers, blitz effectively, and play both in the box and in coverage.

In his freshman year, Simmons was already making significant contributions on defense. He earned playing time in several key matchups and helped anchor a defense that would go on to lead the Tigers to a national championship in 2016. Although Simmons’ impact was not yet as pronounced as it would later be, his freshman year was filled with flashes of brilliance that signaled his future stardom.

His versatility allowed him to stand out immediately, making plays all over the field. Whether it was blitzing quarterbacks, covering tight ends, or reading opposing offenses, Simmons displayed an innate ability to change the course of games. It wasn’t long before he became the focal point of the Tigers’ defense — a defensive weapon so unique that NFL scouts began salivating over his potential.

Simmons ultimately went on to become the 8th overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft by the Arizona Cardinals. His transition from a freshman player with immense promise to a consensus All-American and top draft pick served as an example of the kind of future-shaping talent Clemson can produce.

Ben Boulware: A Heart-and-Soul Leader

While Simmons was perhaps the most physically gifted linebacker to come through Clemson in recent years, Ben Boulware was the embodiment of what Clemson’s defense stood for: toughness, grit, and a relentless work ethic. Boulware, who played for Clemson from 2013 to 2016, may not have had the same natural athleticism as Simmons, but his leadership and relentless play made him a fan favorite and a key figure in Clemson’s national championship run in 2016.

Boulware’s freshman year set the tone for his future success. As a first-year player, he didn’t start initially, but his tenacity quickly earned him a spot in the rotation. By the end of his first season, Boulware had become a core part of Clemson’s defense, accumulating tackles, forced fumbles, and interceptions. His relentless attitude was exactly what Clemson needed as the Tigers entered their run toward national prominence.

In his sophomore and junior seasons, Boulware developed into a leader of the defense. His playmaking ability, especially in big games, made him a standout. Boulware’s leadership helped Clemson win the 2016 national title over Alabama, and his clutch performance throughout the College Football Playoff (CFP) cemented his legacy as one of the most beloved players in the program’s history.

Boulware, though smaller in stature compared to some of his counterparts, became the backbone of the Clemson defense with his ability to read plays and deliver timely tackles. His career would eventually lead to being named an All-ACC selection, and he would go on to play in the NFL after his collegiate career. Boulware’s journey from a freshman who earned his stripes to a senior leader guiding the team to glory is one of the great stories in Clemson football history.

Travis Blanks: An Early Standout Who Set the Stage

Another linebacker who stood out during his freshman season at Clemson was Travis Blanks, a versatile player who contributed both on defense and special teams in his first season. Blanks had the kind of athleticism that made him an instant contributor, and he quickly adapted to Clemson’s fast-paced, aggressive defensive style.

In his freshman season, Blanks was praised for his football IQ, ability to cover ground, and his propensity for making key stops in crucial moments. Whether he was playing in coverage or coming up to make a tackle in the box, Blanks displayed the versatility needed to excel in the Clemson defensive scheme.

His performance as a freshman laid the groundwork for his continued development throughout his career, where he became an important piece of the Tigers’ defense for several seasons. Blanks’ ability to blend into multiple defensive roles, including both linebacker and safety, showcased the depth of his skill set. Unfortunately, injuries would ultimately limit his overall impact, but his early recognition as a playmaker on defense is a testament to his talent and potential.

James Skalski: A Key Piece of Clemson’s Defensive Success

While much of the national attention in recent years has been on Clemson’s explosive offense, the Tigers’ defense has been consistently one of the best in the country. James Skalski, a linebacker who played for Clemson from 2016 to 2020, is a prime example of a player who made his mark early in his career. Skalski was part of the core group of defensive players that helped propel Clemson to national championship glory during the 2018 season, but his freshman year in 2016 was vital to his development.

As a true freshman, Skalski wasn’t immediately thrust into the starting lineup, but he was a contributor on special teams and saw meaningful snaps as a linebacker. As the season progressed, Skalski’s work ethic and intelligence stood out, and by his sophomore year, he had developed into a key defensive leader for the Tigers.

Skalski’s reputation for being a gritty, tough, and smart player made him one of Clemson’s most trusted linebackers during their championship run in 2018. His ability to read offenses, communicate effectively, and lead by example were instrumental in Clemson’s defense, and he would go on to be an anchor for the Tigers for the remainder of his career.

The Importance of Linebackers to Clemson’s Legacy

Clemson’s success on defense has always been tied to its linebacker play. From the legendary linebackers of the past to the next generation of players, the Tigers have consistently produced elite talent at this position. In many ways, linebacker play is the heartbeat of Clemson’s defense, and players like Simmons, Boulware, Blanks, and Skalski have defined the program’s defensive identity.

As the Tigers prepare for the 2025 season, the legacy of these players will continue to inspire the next generation of linebackers in the program. While new stars will emerge, the influence of these historic freshmen and their impact on Clemson’s defense will be felt for years to come.

 A Legacy of Excellence

The former Clemson Tigers linebacker stars who made their mark in their freshman seasons have all become key figures in the history of the program. Their performances as first-year players demonstrated that Clemson was not just developing players for the future — it was building a defense that could compete with the best in the country.

From Isaiah Simmons’ versatility and playmaking ability to Ben Boulware’s leadership and grit, each player brought something unique to the table. Whether it was making a big stop in a key moment or stepping up as a vocal leader on the field, these linebackers have played a significant role in Clemson’s dominance over the past decade.

As the Tigers continue to recruit and develop future linebackers, the bar has been set. The accomplishments of these players will forever be remembered, and their freshman seasons remain a testament to the talent and potential that has propelled Clemson football to the national stage.