Does Clemson Have Enough Help Around Sammy Brown? | Clemson Tigers Podcast

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   Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!   KALSHI For a limited time, Download the Kalshi app and use code [LOCKEDON] to get up to $500 in bonus credits when you trade $25.   The Game Don't miss this chance to celebrate 40 years of The Game with 40% off your entire order. Visit https://TheGameCaps.com and use promo code LOCKEDONat checkout.   Wayfair Patio season is here and these deals won’t last! Head to https://wayfair.com right now to get your outdoor space ready for way less.  Wayfair. Every style. Every home.  Indeed Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast   Gametime Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONfor $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply. FanDuel Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Join all the action at https://FANDUEL.COMto play Daily Dingers and make your free pick on who’s hitting a homer this MLB season.  FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.